Six Nations Roundup, Feb. 9

Published Feb. 13, 2008 11:57 a.m. ET

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Vincent Clerc scored a hat trick of tries Saturday to give defending Six Nations champion France a narrow 26-21 win over Ireland.

While Wales continued its surprisingly good start to the competition with a 30-15 victory over Scotland, France confirmed its status as tournament favorite with four tries against last season's runner-up.

Reverting to its traditional flair from the forward power that has been the hallmark of its game for the past few years, France dominated the first half at Stade de France and could now be set for its first Grand Slam since 2004.