France retained the RBS 6 Nations title in 2007 and Ireland proved worthy Triple Crown recipients - but there was no Grand Slam achieved for a third successive campaign.

The French were beaten by England, while Ireland lost to Les Bleus, and the tournament proved just as notable for Italy gaining two victories.

It was the first time Italy had won two games since their admission to the competition in 2000.

England won all three of their home games - but lost both Tests on the road - while Wales and Scotland collected a solitary victory each, the Scots finishing
bottom on points difference.

WEEK ONE

The tournament began with a sight English fans thought they might never witness again - Jonny Wilkinson back in an England shirt - and the 2003 World Cup hero did not disappoint.

The Newcastle fly-half marked his return to the Test arena after months of injury misery with 22 points in head coach Brian Ashton's first game at the helm - a 42-20 Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland at Twickenham.

Defending Six Nations champions France enjoyed a 39-3 romp against Italy in Rome - celebrated number eight Sebastien Chabal scored two tries - but Wales began with a whimper, beaten 19-9 by Ireland in Cardiff.

WEEK TWO

Things got worse for Wales and their coach Gareth Jenkins just six days later, as another tryless display confirmed a team short on confidence and creativity. Scotland's Chris Paterson also punished their indiscipline, booting seven penalties in a 21-9 success.

The big story was in Dublin, where Ireland's sporting barriers came crashing down and the rugby team played its first Test match at Croke Park. Ireland should have won, but a late blunder contributed to France wing Vincent Clerc's clincher as Les Bleus snatched it 20-17.

England, meanwhile, laboured to a 20-7 success against Italy, with Wilkinson kicking five penalties and wing Jason Robinson scoring their solitary try.

WEEK THREE

England were next up at Croke Park in a game of huge historical significance, but the occasion - and an inspired Irish performance - saw them wilt alarmingly.

Ireland triumphed 43-13, scoring four tries, and the only bright spot for England was a promising try-scoring Test debut by Harlequins wing David Strettle.

Elsewhere, Italy stunned Scotland at Murrayfield, winning 37-17 after making a blistering start, with wing Andrea Scanavacca bagging 22 points, and France -
despite being outscored 3-2 on tries - saw off Wales in Paris 32-21.

WEEK FOUR

England showed nine changes from their Dublin debacle - Wilkinson was injured, but Andy Farrell, Danny Grewcock and Magnus Lund were among those omitted -
while centre Mike Catt took over as captain from a concussed Phil Vickery when France arrived at Twickenham.

The recovery was impressive, with youngsters Toby Flood and Shane Geraghty playing high-class roles during a 26-18 success, but Wales' woes continued,
beaten 23-20 by Italy in Rome as pressure intensified on Jenkins.

Ireland, fancying their chances of a second successive Triple Crown, edged out Scotland 19-18 at Murrayfield as Ronan O'Gara scored all the visitors' points.

WEEK FIVE

Both France and Ireland held title chances going into the tournament's final weekend, and in the end, points difference narrowly guaranteed the French a successful title defence, while Ireland collected another Triple Crown.

France beat Scotland 46-19 in Paris, but it took a late try to guarantee a superior points difference over Ireland, who had scored eight tries as they dismantled Italy 51-24 just hours earlier.

For their part, Wales avoided a whitewash thanks to 22 points from rising star James Hook against England in Cardiff. England fought back following a poor start, but succumbed 27-18.