France 20-22 Ireland

Brian O'Driscoll channelled all the emotion of his Six Nations signoff into a match-winning performance as Ireland took the title in dramatic fashion in Paris.

The 35-year-old centre marked his 141st international appearance with a second Six Nations title after a breathless win over France.

He admitted he would be reluctant to take off the Ireland jersey for the last time - but was delighted to have gone out in such style.

"Not many people get to finish their career on their own terms, certainly not with high emotions like today."

It was only O'Driscoll's second win in Paris - 14 years after a stunning hat-trick of tries announced his arrival on the world stage.

"I tried to channel the emotions into the performance," he said. "I played fair today, and you can't allow the occasion to get the better of you."

For long spells it looked like the title might slip from Ireland's grasp.

France led 13-12 at the break and could twice have snatched victory late on.

Jean-Marc Doussain missed a penalty and Damien Chouly went over for a last-gasp try - only for it to be disallowed for a forward pass.

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton scored two tries, missed five points with the boot and was knocked out trying to tackle Mathieu Bastareaud.

Andrew Trimble also crossed for Ireland in the first half thanks to a ruse set in motion by O'Driscoll.

The centre drove to the gain line and Ireland forced space for Conor Murray to blast through and send Trimble in.

After the break Sexton raced through again then booted the conversion and a penalty to put Ireland 22-13 up.

The hosts battered Ireland's defences time and again with a sustained assault.

Bastareaud thundered into midfield, Louis Picamoles drove to the post and Dimitri Szarzewski bundled in.

Maxime Machenaud converted to cut the deficit to two points but Ireland held on.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted he will miss O'Driscoll but said Robbie Henshaw and Darren Cave can grow into his shoes.

"To work so hard that you maximise those special attributes, the example he sets with his character - all that I will most certainly miss."

French head coach Philippe Saint-Andre conceded: "In the end it's O'Driscoll that decides the tournament."

He added: "Next year Brian O'Driscoll will not be here, so maybe the god of rugby will be on our side."