Live Six Nations Rugby Union
BBC1, Saturday 2nd Feb 1pm - 3:30pmFrom William Webb Ellis, the boy who in 1823, in the middle of a game at Rugby school, “first took the ball in his arms and ran with it”, to the rousing choruses of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Bread of Heaven, The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and The Fields of Athenry, rugby has never been a sport that’s shy of mythologising. Has the Six Nations lost its muddy tribal charm in the trimmed professionalism of the modern game? Not a bit of it. When Sam Warburton of Wales and Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip lead their teams out (k/o 1.30pm), mythology and modernity will combine in the fizzing cauldron of the Millennium Stadium. Then it’s off to Twickenham, where England and Scotland’s lithe giants play out a 134-year-old rivalry for the Calcutta Cup (k/o 4pm).
Wales v Ireland (Kick-off 1.30pm). Jason Mohammad introduces coverage of the opening match of this year's championship, as the sides meet at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Wales won the Grand Slam last year and began with a win over Ireland in Dublin, but have struggled since that tournament victory, losing three times in Australia and all four of their autumn internationals, including defeats at home to Argentina and Samoa. Ireland have retained Jamie Heaslip as captain despite the return from injury of Brian O'Driscoll, and are seeking a first victory in Cardiff since 2009. With commentary by Eddie Butler, Philip Matthews and Martyn Williams, and analysis by Keith Wood and Jonathan Davies.
CastPresenter Jason Mohammad
Guest Keith Wood
Guest Jonathan Davies
Commentator Eddie Butler
Commentator Philip Matthews
Commentator Martyn WilliamsCrew
RadiotimesLive Six Nations Rugby Union England v Scotland (Kick-off 4.00pm). John Inverdale presents coverage of this afternoon's second fixture, which takes place at Twickenham. England will expect to continue their fine recent record against the Scots with another victory to retain the Calcutta Cup, especially after their win against New Zealand in the autumn internationals. However, Scotland - under interim coach Scott Johnson for the first time - will be determined to improve on last year's dismal campaign, which produced five defeats and ended with them bottom of the table. With commentary by Andrew Cotter and Brian Moore, and analysis by Clive Woodward, Andy Nicol and Jeremy Guscott.
CastPresenter John Inverdale
Commentator Andrew Cotter
Commentator Brian Moore
Guest Andy Nicol
Guest Jeremy Guscott
Guest Sir Clive Woodwar
Radiotimes ITALY V FRANCE
BBC1 [Not Scotlan] 2:25pm - 5pmRepeat: BBC1 Scotland, Sun 3rd Feb 2:50pm
Italy v France (Kick-off 3.00pm). John Inverdale introduces the third and final match in the opening round of this year's championship, which takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The French suffered a disappointing campaign in 2012, only beating Italy and Scotland before finishing in fourth position. The Azzurri have traditionally competed with Scotland to avoid ending bottom of the standings, and recorded a famous 22-21 victory over Les Bleus when they met in Rome two years ago. With commentary by Alastair Eykyn and Jonathan Davies, and analysis by Keith Wood, Thomas Castaignede and Jeremy Guscott.
CastPresenter John Inverdale
Commentator Alastair Eykyn
Commentator Jonathan Davies
Guest Keith Wood
Guest Thomas Castaignede
Guest Jeremy Guscott
Radiotimes
