Wales have completed the Grand Slam and secured the Six Nations title with a 25-7 victory over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

In wet and windy conditions Warren Gatland's men put in a dominant display and never looked like relinquishing a lead they earned from the very first minute of the match.

With three sides capable of winning the title at the start of play, Wales wasted no time and scored a try almost straight from kick-off when Hadleigh Parkes pounced on Gareth Anscombe' subtle kick to get the hosts off to the perfect start.

And they never looked back against an uncharacteristically lacklustre Ireland side, who struggled to handle the pressure of the occasion as well as their Welsh counterparts.

Even the early injury of George North didn't unsettle the favourites and through Anscombe's clinical kicking, built up a 16-0 at half-time.

The match followed a similar pattern after the interval with Wales patiently picking off their opportunities to boost the scoreline and capitalised on every mistake the Irish made.

Johnny Sexton, such an integral part of Joe Schmidt's plans, had a rare off-day and particularly struggled both with the ball in hand and with the boot.

Jordan Lamour grabbed a late consolation try for the visitors, who have failed to build on their win over New Zealand in the Autumn.

With the World Cup just around the corner, Gatland - in his final Six Nations match as head coach - has sent a clear message to rest of the major nations that they will be contenders when the tournament gets underway in Japan later this year.

The second half comeback victory over England was always thought to prove a huge part of this year's competition and that ultimately that was the case.

Eddie Jones and England will now have to settle for second place, regardless of their result against Scotland but the Red Rose will still fancy their chances in September.