Ireland have defeated France 22-20 in Paris to clinch the 2014 Six Nations title.

Maxime Machenaud kicked France to an early lead with two penalties at the start of the match, but Jonny Sexton kept the visitors in touch with a try.

However, the fly-half was unable to convert his own effort, before missing a penalty at the end of the opening 40 minutes which would have given Ireland the advantage at the break.

Sexton made amends to put the visitors ahead early in the second half when he scored his second try of the game, and this time he was able to add the extra two points.

Ireland looked to have a comfortable lead heading into the final 20 minutes, but a strong spell from the French team resulted in a try for Dimitri Szarzewski, leaving the hosts just two points down.

France had a chance to move back in front heading into the last 10 minutes after winning a penalty in the scrum, but Jean-Marc Doussain's kick failed to find the posts.

The hosts thought that they had scored a try inside the final two minutes, but replays showed that there was a forward pass in the build-up.

The match was the final of Brian O'Driscoll's career, as he is retiring at the end of the season.

Ireland last won the title in 2009.