Benetton boosted their United Rugby Championship play-off aspirations with a 42-31 bonus-point win over the Lions in Johannesburg.
Simon Easterby’s side stuttered to victory in Rome before their hopes of a third consecutive Six Nations title ended.
Ireland required a resounding win to put pressure on their title rivals.
Ireland player ratings: Ireland made it hard on themselves, securing a narrow 22-17 win over Italy in Rome that ended their Guinness Six Nations on more of a whimper than a high note.
Ireland's grand hopes of a three-peat are blown to smithereens after French show of shock and awe in Dublin
Italy player ratings: England versus Italy games have always been tough affairs for the Azzurrri, and this 47-24 thumping was no different.
Italy have never beaten England in 31 previous meetings.