Ireland's Grand Slam tilt alive after Wales scare

Ireland edged past a valiant Wales 27-18 on Saturday to win the Triple Crown and maintain their hopes of a record third straight Six Nations title.

Wales came within a whisker of ending their losing streak -- now at 15 games -- with Ellis Mee's leap over the line in the final 10 minutes being deemed a knock-on having initially been awarded as a try.

Ireland top the Six Nations table with 14 points from three matches, while Wales are bottom with one, but interim coach Matt Sherratt can have few complaints over the performance of his side.

The reigning champions were under pressure for much of the game, especially in the scrum, but their defence was largely excellent and they scored tries through No. 8 Jack Conan and fullback Jamie Osborne, before the boot of fly-half Sam Prendergast carried them to victory.

Wales were vastly improved from the side who slipped to dour defeat after dour defeat under former coach Warren Gatland, and scored tries through flanker Jac Morgan and winger Tom Rogers, before falling short of what would have been a shock victory.

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Information from Reuters contributed to this report.