Grand Slam for Ireland

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Ireland beat Wales 17-15 in a pulsating contest in Cardiff to claim their first Grand Slam since 1948.

Ronan O'Gara knocked over a 77th minute drop-goal to edge Ireland back in front after Stephen Jones' drop-goal moments earlier.

But even then there was time for more drama as Jones missed a penalty with the last kick of the match from just inside Ireland's half.

Jones kicked all Wales' points, while the Irish scored the only tries of the match early in the second half through skipper Brian O'Driscoll and Tommy Bowe.

Fired-up pace

Both sides came out fast and the match opened at an incredibly fired-up pace, but the defences dominated the opening half hour.

O'Gara, top scorer in Five and Six Nations history, had the chance to put Ireland ahead after just two minutes, but his penalty attempt drifted wide.

Ireland built up some momentum and winger Luke Fitzgerald crossed the Welsh line in the corner shortly afterwards, only for referee Wayne Barnes to call him back for a forward pass from O'Driscoll.

Ireland prop Marcus Horan then stopped what could have been a decisive break by Mathew Rees, ripping the ball from the Welsh hooker's hands just outside the 22.

Stephen Jones scored the first points of the game in the 33rd minute, after Denis Leamy failed to roll away in the tackle.

Jones then doubled the home side's lead with a long-range effort in the 39th minute after Ireland were pinged for crossing in midfield.

But straight from the re-start Ireland looked a different team and three minutes of intense pressure on the Wales line paid off when O'Driscoll sniped through three tacklers for a try by the posts that O'Gara converted.

Lead extended

The lead was extended to 14-6 just a minute later, an O'Gara dink over the Welsh midfield bouncing up perfectly into the arms of winger Tommy Bowe, who sprinted in under the posts from 30 metres.

Jones pulled back six points with penalties in the 51st and 56th minutes after an Irish line-out infringement and a petulant shove by Donncha O'Callaghan on Mike Phillips.

Henson failed with a 50-metre shot at goal with 13 minutes left to play as Wales tried to edge ahead again.

But when Phillips set up good field position after a break, the ball was efficiently recycled and Jones knocked over the drop-goal.

Jones was at fault a minute later, though, when he cleared straight into touch deep in Welsh territory. From the resulting line-out and a series of pick-and-drives, O'Gara took up his position in the pocket and calmly slotted over.

The final act of an incredible drama saw replacement Ireland hooker Paddy Wallace straying offside and handing Jones a last-minute penalty attempt, which fell just short.