Wales 23 Ireland 16: Sam Warburton targeting Six Nations triumph after stunning victory

No team can now complete a Grand Slam

Sam Warburton celebrates Wales' win over Ireland (GETTY IMAGES)

Sam Warburton was exhausted and delighted after leading Wales to a nail-biting RBS 6 Nations win over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

Ireland's Grand Slam hopes were dashed after they were beaten 23-16 in Cardiff on Saturday.

Warburton was physically and mentally drained after the enthralling win, which gives Wales a fighting chance of winning the championship if they beat Italy next weekend.

"That's probably one of the most exhausted I've felt after a Test match," Warburton said on BBC One.

"It was an unbelievable effort. I could not have asked for more.

"Ireland, to their credit, kept coming and had lot of phases but our defence was so tough. All we had to do was keep our discipline. We did, and we won."

Wales went in 15-9 up at the break and extended their lead thanks to Scott Williams' try after the restart.

A penalty try, which was converted by Johnny Sexton, moved Ireland to within touching distance of the hosts but despite a last-gasp push for the line, Joe Schmidt's men could not find a way through and Wales clung on for victory.

The win puts Wales level on points with leaders Ireland and they head to Rome for their final match reasonably optimistic about their chances of lifting the trophy.

"We were confident (of winning the Six Nations) even after the first game (when Wales lost to England)," said the man of the match Warburton.

"The majority of championships are not won with Grand Slams now. There is still a lot of work to do. We can't just go to Italy and expect to win."