The timeline to the cancellation of the France-Ireland game in Paris on Saturday was:
Saturday, February 4: France beat Italy 30-12 at Stade de France. The pitch, which does not have under-soil heating, is covered immediately after full-time.
Monday: Temperature of -7C forecast for night of Ireland's clash with France in Paris and could reach as low as -10C during the game.
Tuesday: France winger Vincent Clerc voices his alarm at the condition of the pitch against Italy and warns the situation could deteriorate. Clerc said: "If it's -7C on Saturday, there is reason for concern over the frozen pitch. It was already frozen against Italy. The parts near the touchline were frozen."
Thursday: Traditional eve-of-match captain's run cancelled due to frozen pitch. When asked if he was concerned by the conditions, Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "We've not discussed the temperature. We'll have to wait until we step off the plane and feel it. It's one of those uncontrollables. We just have to work off the premise that it will be the same for them as it is for us."
Friday: Ireland squad arrives in Paris. Kicking practice held in the afternoon at an indoor facility. Referee Dave Pearson conducts 1600 pitch inspection without removing the covers. Six Nations spokesperson states the pitch is being maintained at 3C beneath the covers and the match is not under threat. No further pitch inspection conducted that night, despite 2100 kick-off time the following day.
Saturday - 1900: Covers removed from the pitch.
1915: Pearson declares the pitch is playable.
2015: Kidney and France coach Philippe Saint-Andre discuss the condition of the pitch with Pearson.
2030: Pearson re-examines the pitch.
2050: Pearson postpones the game.
2100: Temperature at kick-off time recorded at -6C with a wind chill of -11C.
2105: Stade de France is informed of Pearson's decision, prompting jeers from the crowd. Band remain on the pitch while some French players enter the stands to speak with family members.
2115: Disgruntled fans begin leaving the stadium.
2200: Temperature at Stade de France plummets to -8C at what would have been half-time.
2215: Six Nations official refuses to take questions on decision to postpone the match. Pearson absent from press conference. Six Nations confirm the match will be staged during one of the tournament's break weekends, either February 18-19 or March 3-4.