French end Irish grand slam hopes

LONDON - France shattered Ireland's dream of a first grand slam in 57 years with a 26-19 victory in Dublin, leaving just Welsh hopes of a Six Nations sweep alive.

World champions England, meanwhile, restored a semblance of pride with their first win in four championship matches this season, winger Mark Cueto grabbing a hat-trick of tries to see off Italy 39-7 at Twickenham.

Wales take on Scotland on Sunday and victory at Murrayfield would leave them just needing a win against Ireland in Cardiff next weekend to secure their first grand slam since 1978.

It is 40 years since Ireland's sole grand slam and their high hopes of another this year were effectively ended when France scored two tries in the space of five minutes around the half-hour mark at Lansdowne Road.

Despite having a strong wind behind them, Ireland's much-vaunted backline looked nervous, their pack was put under pressure in the tight and even their usually efficient lineout was disrupted.

But the French again threatened to throw away a dominant position as they had against Wales in Paris two weeks ago and Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll's superb solo effort late in the second half reduced their lead to two points.

But, with two minutes to play, Ireland turned the ball over in their own half and French winger Christophe Dominici ran down the touchline to score his second try of the match.

"We knew it would come down to one score, we were just on the wrong side of it," said Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

There were celebrations for French centre Benoit Baby, who scored a try on his test debut, and skipper Fabien Pelous, who became only the fifth player in the history of rugby to win 100 international caps.

"I'm proud of my 100th cap, but I'm prouder of what my team did today because it's never easy to come here," said the Toulouse lock.

France can still retain the title if they beat Italy in Rome on March 19 and other results go their way, while Ireland could still triumph with a win on the same day against Wales.

Bernard Laporte continued to insist that he was rebuilding his French squad for the next World Cup in France in 2007.

"That's a hell of a French team -- if they are rebuilding we are all in trouble," said O'Sullivan.

England coach Andy Robinson is another coach looking to rebuild a squad and there were plenty of positives for him to draw from the six-try victory over John Kirwan's Italy, not least breaking a four-match losing streak.

As well as Cueto's hat-trick -- the Sale winger has now scored seven tries in seven tests -- recalled fullback Iain Balshaw, under-fire hooker Steve Thompson and replacement flanker Andy Hazell all crossed the Italy line.

But first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson was successful with only three of his seven kicks while with a little more talent in the backline Italy would have had a better return than halfback Alessandro Troncon's converted try.

"We are building, moving forward, it was a step in the right direction," said Robinson. "Defensively throughout the tournament we have been superb, but we want to keep improving our attacking game.

"Mark Cueto knows how to score tries, that's what you want from a winger. You always pick out individuals but he was on the end of some outstanding moves."

Kirwan said the error made by fullback Gert Peens, who put a dropout straight into touch in the 38th minute, as a key moment in the match.

"I think what's happening now is we are in games but are making mistakes at critical times," the former All Black said. "The lineout and scrum went well but we let ourselves down at the vital moments."

England host Scotland in their final match of the tournament next Saturday, while Italy must beat France in Rome if they are to have any hope of avoiding the wooden spoon.

- REUTERS