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ROME — Ireland has overcome Italy by a scrappy 22-17 at the Stadio Olimpico and finished the last day of the Six Nations where it started, in third place. Ireland had slim hopes of an historic third consecutive title and the unconvincing bonus-point win in Rome was overtaken as expected within hours by England, which finished second, and France, the new champion. Ireland claimed a fourth win in five matches. But the Triple Crown holder tried forcing too much against Italy on Saturday. The Irish scored four tries to two and enjoyed 30-plus minutes with a man advantage but still gave Italy hope of an upset. Hooker Dan Sheehan notched his first test hat trick of tries.
