England’s resounding 68-14 victory against Wales ended Ireland’s pursuit of a third consecutive championship crown.
Simon Easterby’s side stuttered to victory in Rome before their hopes of a third consecutive Six Nations title ended.
Ireland required a resounding win to put pressure on their title rivals.
Ireland player ratings: Ireland made it hard on themselves, securing a narrow 22-17 win over Italy in Rome that ended their Guinness Six Nations on more of a whimper than a high note.
Leicester Tigers are facing an uphill fight to tempt Ireland star Jack Crowley into quitting Munster when his contract runs out this summer and make the move across the Irish Sea to Welford Road.
Les Bleus won 42-27 in Dublin last weekend to end Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes.
Ireland have confirmed that Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and Mack Hansen are set to return for their final match of the Guinness Six Nations against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Sam Prendergast has been well and truly been cast as the fall guy following Ireland's heavy, Grand Slam destroying loss to France at the Aviva Stadium.
Les Bleus travel to Dublin seeking to snatch top spot in the Six Nations table.