France clinched the RBS 6 Nations Championship on points difference from Ireland after snatching a late 21-16 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Florian Fritz's try eight minutes from time finally killed off a brave Welsh side, who had produced their best performance of a difficult season.

Ireland had been left with an outside chance of stealing the title from French hands, but they needed to beat England by 34 points at Twickenham.

Eddie O'Sullivan's men stunned the world champions with a dramatic late 28-24 victory that secured the Triple Crown, but it was not enough to overhaul the French.

Back at the Millennium Stadium, some two hours after beating Wales, France were confirmed as champions and captain Fabien Pelous lifted the trophy under a shower of champagne sprayed by his team-mates.

Pelous admitted his side's triumph had exceeded their own expectations. "Now we've won this tournament we are very happy," he told BBC1.

"At the beginning of the tournament we didn't think we would win the trophy but we worked a lot and now we can take the trophy to France.

"For that I am very proud of my players."

Scotland ended their campaign with a hard fought 13-10 win over Italy.

The scores were locked at 10-10 and Italy looked on course to secure a second successive draw when Chris Paterson accepted a penalty chance from long range with three minutes remaining.

Paterson had scored his side's only try in the first half but Italy, who now finish with the wooden spoon, proved difficult opponents to shake off.

Scotland only just edged an entertaining, albeit error-filled, first half 10-7

after Italy made much the better start, and in fairness the Azzurri were probably worth a point.

Afterwards Scotland coach Frank Hadden paid tribute to Italy.

Hadden told BBC Sport: "The Italians have made so much progress this year.

"They have played better and we knew it would be extremely tough and a real step up to come to an intimidating place such as this and come away with the win.

"It may not have been pretty but we felt we had the better of the game and were always in control throughout and deserved the outcome.

"I said to the boys it was great to beat England and France but this is the most important. It was a real test away against a side as good as this. I'm absolutely delighted."