LONDON - WALES'S renaissance under Warren Gatland continued with a 16-12 win over Ireland on Saturday that put the Six Nations title and a second grand slam in four years within sight.

A battling performance at Croke Park in Dublin means only France, who will run out in the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium next Saturday, stand between Wales and the grand slam.

'The goal is to win the championship. The triple crown is great, as would be the grand slam, but we will see what happens tomorrow (between France and Italy) and see what the points difference is so we know what we need next week,' said Gatland.

While Wales celebrated the triple crown and four successive wins under Gatland, Scotland overshadowed England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson's feat of becoming the leading points scorer in test rugby by beating the World Cup finalists 15-9 at Murrayfield.

In a game of attrition dominated by the packs on a soggy afternoon, Scotland got off the mark in this season's tournament with Chris Paterson slotting home four penalties.

Wilkinson replied with three of his own to take his tally to 1099 in tests, nine more than Welshman Neil Jenkins, but defeat leaves England's title hopes in tatters after a second defeat.

Victory for Wales was all the sweeter for Gatland, who was dismissed as Ireland coach in 2001 and replaced by current incumbent Eddie O'Sullivan.

His Wales side were never allowed to perform at their attacking best but they proved they could also defend with purpose, emphasised when they twice went down to 14 men for sin-binning offences.

Wales trailed 6-3 at the break before wing Shane Williams got the only try by darting over in the corner after 51 minutes.

Flyhalf Stephen Jones kicked two penalties and a conversion while his replacement James Hook added a late penalty. Ronan O'Gara slotted home four penalties for Ireland.

It was Williams's 40th try in 55 tests, equalling the principality's all-time leading try scorer Gareth Thomas.

England's build-up to the clash with Scotland was overshadowed by the expulsion of Danny Cipriani from the squad on Thursday because of inappropriate behaviour.

He had been due to make his first start for England at fullback.

Brian Ashton's side were a pale shadow of the team that won in Paris a fortnight ago as Scotland's lighter pack more than held their own.

'Our lighter forwards were tremendous especially in the loose but also around the ruck area,' Scotland coach Frank Hadden told a news conference. 'In these weather conditions you've got to be apprehensive about being the lighter pack.' 'We were tentative and hesitant at the start of the game but I think that is because of the amount of criticism that the players have had to face,' he added. 'I told my players never to doubt their ability.' -- REUTERS

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