Ireland hold off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome and keep alive their faint hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations.

ROME — Ireland kept alive its Six Nations title hopes by overcoming Italy 22-17 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. The scrappy bonus-point win ensured France and England had to win their later matches to snuff out Ireland's slim hopes of a historic third consecutive title.

Dan Sheehan's hat-trick helped Ireland secure a 22-17 victory over Italy, putting them at the top of the Six Nations table. Despite a scrappy performance, Ireland hopes to claim the title again if Wales beats England and Scotland defeats France.