The Triple Crown holders thrashed Italy 51-24 at the Stadio Flaminio, but France's last-gasp 46-19 win over Scotland in Paris saw them crowned champions on points difference.

The two sides finsihed level on eight points but Les Bleus finished with a points difference of +69, four more than Ireland's +65.

France's margin of victory over Scotland was only enough to secure the RBS 6 Nations crown after Roland de Marigny's late try which was converted by Andrea Scanavacca earlier on Saturday afternoon.

Ireland had the chance to kick the ball out before the Italy full-back scored but went looking for another try and lost possession.

OSullivan said: Id have preferred it if we hadnt given that last try away but you have to put it into context in that we were trying to score points.

If you do that theres a chance youll give them away. We scored some good tries. We wanted to keep a clean slate and our defence was good, but they came up with a good try at the end.

Girvan Dempsey and Denis Hickie ran in a brace of tries each while Simon Easterby, Gordon DArcy, Shane Horgan and Ronan OGara also crossed in a ruthless display of finishing.

OSullivan added: Im very happy with that performance. When you score 50 points with tries like we did you must be happy.

We struggled at the set piece in the first half but still scored tries. We thought there would be opportunities in the second half and that was the way it worked out.

Irelands victory was marred by a hamstring injury to Brian ODriscoll, who had to be helped from the pitch in the second half.

OSullivan said: Brian has a serious hamstring strain. We dont know the extent of the damage but hes in a lot of pain.

Well go back to base and see what the damage is, but it doesnt look great at the moment.