After weeks of build up, the first round of this year's RBS Six Nations is now complete, but the three results from this weekend have asked as many questions as they have answered.

France 23-21 Italy

Many expected a rejuvenated Les Blues, under the stewardship of former Toulouse head coach Guy Noves, to be far too strong for the Azzuri, but few would have predicted the way this opening match unfolded at an expectant Stade de France.

In a tight first half winger Virimi Vakatawa and back-rower Damien Chouly crossed the whitewash for France, but a Carlo Canna drop-goal and a try from the prolific Sergio Parisse's kept Italy in touch at halftime.

Noves had promised a more attacking French XV and they began the second half well enough, scoring a third try from right wing Hugo Bonneval, but Italy werent about to lie down and scored again through the magnificent Carlo Canna who also contributed a "full house" of points with a conversion, penalty and drop goal.

Italy had a chance to win it at the death but a woeful drop-goal attempt from Parrisse fizzled over the dead ball line to leave the Azzuri with nothing to show for all their efforts, but the way they performed in Paris will make both England and Scotland take note ahead of their trips to Rome.

Scotland 9-15 England

Despite all the hype hanging over Vern Cotter's side from last year's World cup heroics, the 2016 Calcutta cup was yet another game to forget for Scottish rugby fans as the "auld enemy" claimed their eight win in a row in this famous fixture.

An early try from Saracens' lock George Kruis, after he bumped off Richie Gray's tackle, allowed the visitors to gain an early lead, but Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw was afforded the opportunity to chip away at the lead from the kicking tee and the Scots only trailed by a point at the break.

Unfortunately for Scotland however, England's momentum grew as the game went on, and the introduction of the powerful Courtney Lawes and Mako Vunipola early in the second half led to the vital score from Jack Nowell, as the game began to run away from the Scots.

Owen Farrell further compounded the Scots' misery with a long-range penalty towards the end, and although Finn Russell's fortuitous intercept on his own line could have potentially led to a game-levelling score, it was not to be for Vern Cotter's side who have now lost eight Six Nations matches in a row with a daunting trip to Cardiff on the horizon.

Ireland 16-16 Wales

The game of the weekend was easily the Celtic clash in Dublin as both sides began at a frenetic pace, eager to find gaps in each other's defence.

Ireland had the better of the opening blows and took the lead through Conor Murray's 26th minute try after Robbie Henshaw had battered his way up to the line, and Jonny Sexton's conversion and two penalties gave the hosts a command-able 13-0 lead.

Just as it looked as though the game was getting away from them though, Wales hit back with a Dan Biggar penalty but later lost the influential Ospreys man through a foot injury, with Rhys Priestland taking over the playmaking duties.

Warren Gatland's men finally found a way over the try line through the superb number 8 Talupe Faletau shortly before halftime and Priestland's conversion narrowed the gap to just three points at the half.

The second half was one for the rugby purists as neither side was bale to break the other down, leaving Preistland and Sexton to trade penalties and despite a nerve-jangling finally, the whistle blew and both sides will be satisfied not to have lost their opener.

In next weekend's round two fixtures, Ireland travel to Paris to take on France, whilst Wales welcome Scotland to the newly re-named Pricipality stadium, both on Saturday.

England are on the road again, this time in Rome as they aim to make it two from two against Italy in Sunday's clash.