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LONDON - Ireland notched their third triple crown in four years thanks to a 19-18 win over Scotland today while Italy strung together their first back-to-back Six Nations victories by beating Wales 23-20.
The Irish joined France on six points at the top of the standings although the French will be looking for their fourth successive victory when they face England at Twickenham on Monday.
"We just about delivered," Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan told reporters. "We have to kick on to Rome (against Italy next Saturday) now and maybe hope tomorrow England do us a favour."
Italy, on four points for the first time since they joined the championship in 2000, are level with England, leaving Scotland with two points and Wales none.
The game in Rome ended in controversy.
Wales, three points down and awarded a penalty, passed up the chance to go for a draw, kicking for touch in a bid to go for a match-winning try only for the referee to immediately blow the final whistle.
First five-eighths Ronan O'Gara scored the only try at Murrayfield and kicked Ireland's other points to seal a seventh successive victory over the Scots in an error-strewn contest.
Rejuventated Scots
Victory was never a formality for the Irish with the hosts, rejuvenated after their humiliating 37-17 home defeat by Italy, threatening an upset thanks to the accurate kicking of captain Chris Paterson who landed six penalties.
"We knew Scotland would come out a very different side (from the Italy defeat)," said Ireland's man of the match, wing Denis Hickie.
"That (defeat) probably wasn't a true reflection of where they are and we were not very disciplined today, we missed a few chances," he said.
"They were very good in defence and we're happy to get out of here with a win. It was a very defensive game."
Flanker Mauro Bergamasco went over for a late try to seal Italy's historic victory at Rome's Stadio Flaminio.
Bergamasco scored in the 78th minute to put Italy one point clear and first five-eighths Ramiro Pez added the conversion for a match tally of 13.
Italy led 13-7 at halftime after wing Kaine Robertson's try and eight points from Pez to Shane Williams's try for Wales converted by captain Stephen Jones.
Wales hit back to go ahead early in the second half with a try from hooker Matthew Rees, converted by centre James Hook, who also kicked two penalties.
Italy's late pressure told, however, as they added the win to the 37-17 victory over Scotland two weeks ago.
- REUTERS
