Ireland hold on to Six Nations trophy

DUBLIN - Ireland retained their Six Nations title with a hard-fought 17-13 win over Scotland after Warren Gatland offered to quit as Wales boss following a home defeat by Italy that condemned his side to a tournament whitewash.

France finished in second place after edging England 33-31 in a thrilling final match on "Super Saturday".

Irish hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams had been dashed by last week's dramatic 23-22 loss to England at Twickenham.

But Ireland knew that if they avoided defeat, or secured two bonus points, against a Scotland side fresh from a 31-29 defeat by Italy in Rome, they would keep hold of the title.

Scotland were bidding for their first Triple Crown -- when one of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales beats each of those other teams in a single championship season -- since 1990.

And the Scots produced a mammoth defensive effort in Dublin that threatened to frustrate Ireland.

Tries by Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter eventually proved enough for Ireland, although Scotland centre Huw Jones crossed late on to set up a tense finish.

"It was a war of attrition," said Ireland coach Andy Farrell.

"I am delighted for the lads as back-to-back titles is very difficult to achieve," the former England international added.