Summary

  • Ireland win Six Nations title on points difference from England & Wales

  • Ireland's points difference six better than England's

  • England 55-35 France FT

  • Scotland 10-40 Ireland FT

  • Italy 20-61 Wales FT

Live Reporting

Mike Henson and Ben Dirs

  1. Shane Williams
    Former Wales winger on BBC One

    "Losing Leigh Halfpenny is a big blow. He is one of the best defensive 15s in the world - it was a big knee to take in the face. Hopefully he will be OK.

    "But Halfpenny's penalty kicking is such a big part of Wales' gameplan. There was a penalty just before half-time about 50 metres out and Dan Biggar had a look and thought 'that's out of my range'. Halfpenny would taken that on. That's the difference."

  2. Score summary

  5. Shane Williams
    Former Wales winger on BBC One

    "It is the start that Wales didn't want to have. The first touch led to a three point penalty for Italy and the writing was on the wall from then. There have been far too many mistakes by Wales, turnovers and their discipline has not been the best - again. Italy have been the better side."

  6. Wales began the day with 25 and 23 points to make up on England and Ireland respectively.

    Forty minutes gone and they have made up just one. They are leaving it as late like a student on essay deadline.

    Without Leigh Halfpenny, is their best hope now a combination of Scotland and France victories?

    I don't think so, but Warren Gatland needs to issue a half-time rocket....

  7. Robert Jones
    Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

    Wales scrum-half Rhys WebbGetty Images

    "Wales don't look quite as sharp as they have in previous matches. Maybe there is an element of complacency, but I'm sure Warren Gatland will clear that out at half-time."

  8. Half-time

  9. Penalty

    Squeak. That is the sound of Dan Biggar's kick and the travelling support's nether regions as the fly-half's kick sneaks over via the inside of the upright.

    That is the last action of the half.

    Points difference as it stands: Wal: +13, Ire +33, Eng, +37

  10. Martyn Williams
    Former Wales captain on BBC One

    "This is a critical part of the game now. If Italy hold their line it will be a major psychological boost for them.

    "Wales have not been able to get quick ball and speed of the ball in the breakdown. That's allowed the Italian defence to realign."

  11. A crossfield bomb from Dan Biggar. It's hanging high like it is suspended on fishing wire. Jonathan Davies has more than enough time to challenge for it, but can't claim over the Italy line.

    Play called back for another Wales penalty...

  12. Penalty Wales. Already it feels like time to chance the arm. Liam Williams taps and goes. But from the wrong position. Dan Biggar punts into the corner instead...

  13. Wales press up over the Italy 22m line as time ticks down on the first half. Jamie Roberts leads the charge of the heavy brigade, but Italy's tackling is sound.

  14. Get involved

    Wayne Andrews: Wales are really missing Gethin Jenkins and Samson Lee.

    Steve Jones: Halfpenny's only weakness is his technique in these head-on tackles - his bravery is unquestionable.

    Mike: Not sure why English people are celebrating. Ireland will win the championship. Simples.

  15. Wales front row are suffering against their granite opposition. Rob Evans again emerges to look pleadingly at referee Chris Pollock, but the penalty is against him and Luke McLean will clear Italy's lines.

  16. Liam Williams soars for a catch against ItalyGetty Images

    BBC Wales Sport's Richard Williams at Stadio Olimpico: "It's getting louder as a Mexican wave sweeps around the ground. This Italian crowd are loving what they are seeing and are making their feelings plain."

  17. Chris Jones
    BBC rugby reporter on Radio 5 live sports extra

    "We know how serious head injuries can be. Leigh Halfpenny is up and on his feet, but is gingerly walking to the touchline. Let's hope he's OK and it's just a concussion."

  18. Martyn Williams
    Former Wales captain on BBC One

    Leigh Halfpenny lies pronePA

    "Leigh Halfpenny is in a bad way. He tried to get back to his feet, but then stumbled over. He was as brave as ever but he had his head the wrong side going into the tackle. Leigh will not want to come off - but the Wales medical staff had to take him off."

  19. Leigh Halfpenny receives treatmentAFP

    That doesn't get any better on repeat viewings.

    Italy number eight Samuela Vunisa breaks free and gets up considerable steam before slamming into Leigh Halfpenny and leaving the Wales full-back out flat.

    Replays show Vuniesa's knee rising to thunder into Halfpenny's temple. Fortunately he was wearing his scum-cap. Scott Williams comes on and I don't think we will see Halfpenny again in this game.