Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome, but their hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations title were ended by England's win over Wales.

Hooker Dan Sheehan scored a hat-trick of tries as champions Ireland laboured to a 22-17 bonus-point victory over hosts Italy on Saturday to move top of the Six Nations table and retain a chance of winning the title.

France overcame the injury loss of Antoine Dupont to blow open the Six Nations title race by extinguishing Ireland ’s grand slam dream with a crushing 42-27 win in Dublin. Les Bleus captain Dupont - arguably the world's best player - limped from the field in the 29th minute of an engrossing showdown at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.