After a remarkable final day of thrill and spills, with veritable try-fests in Rome, Edinburgh and London, it Ireland transpired that Ireland had done just about enough to defend their Six Nations crown.

It is the first time Ireland have retained the title since 1948-49 and it was only achieved after the three title challengers threw the shackles off and served up the sort of attacking rugby that had fans on the edge of their seats all afternoon.

After Wales had put Italy to the sword in the curtain-raiser, winning 61-20 in Rome, Ireland moved into pole position with a 40-10 win over Scotland in Rome. That left England needing to defeat France by at least 26-points and despite Stuart Lancaster's side going mighty close, their 55-35 win wasn't enough to snatch the title from Ireland's grip.

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