Ireland withstood a shaky first half and a determined Scotland side to win 22-15 at Murrayfield on Saturday and stay on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam. Ireland trailed 12-9 at halftime and could have been further behind, but replacement No. 8 Jamie Heaslip scored the game's only try to give his team a lead it never relinquished. The victory took Ireland, the only unbeaten side in the tournament, to eight points from four matches. It plays second-place Wales next week in the title decider, although only a convincing win for the Welsh is likely to deny Ireland the title. Ireland has not won the competition since 1985 and completed its only perfect season back in 1948. After struggling to put together successive phases in the first half against a fiercely competitive pack and surprisingly inventive back line, Ireland played more attacking rugby in the second period and was rewarded in the 51st when Heaslip touched down. Scrumhalf Peter Stringer, one of four changes to the team that beat England 14-13 two weeks ago, darted through the defense and flipped a one-handed pass behind him for Heaslip to collect and go over. Ronan O'Gara converted on his way to a tally of 17 points that established a new Six Nations record of 492. The second of O'Gara's six kicks put him ahead of Jonny Wilkinson as the tournament's all-time leading scorer, but the Ireland flyhalf was overshadowed by Chris Paterson in the first half. The Scotland fullback struck four times to put the home side 12-9 ahead at halftime. It could have been an even bigger lead for Scotland. Just before the interval, winger Thom Evans raced on to collect his own kick downfield and managed to slip the ball to Phil Godman in the tackle, but the flyhalf was bundled out just short of the line by Brian O'Driscoll. Heaslip, though, put Ireland ahead for the first time and O'Gara converted and then snatched a quickly taken drop goal to calm his team. Paterson and O'Gara traded penalties again to complete the scoring. Wales edges Italy In Rome, defending champion Wales came from behind with an unconvincing 20-15 win over Italy on Saturday. The visitors struggled for rhythm throughout and crept home thanks to a try by replacement center Tom Shanklin eight minutes from time. Wing Shane Williams also touched down and flyhalf James Hook kicked the rest for a third win from four for the Welsh, whose failure to pile up the points could leave them chasing a huge target in next week's final match at home to leaders Ireland. Fullback Andrea Marcato had given Italy hope of springing a massive upset a minute before Shanklin's try, by putting them two points ahead with his fifth successful penalty. Nick Mallett's side faces another wooden spoon but should be encouraged by a spirited performances after losing heavily to England, Ireland and Scotland. Italy was unable to turn good field positions into points and Wales punished it in the 27th minute when Williams scored his 17th try in 17 games. The home team kept plugging away and Marcato added two more penalties for a 9-7 lead. Italy flyhalf Luke McLean then sparked panic with a lob to the corner shortly before the break but wing Mark Jones just managed to get a hand on the ball and save a try. The host kept up the pressure at the start of the second half. Marcato extended the lead before Hook edged the Welsh ahead with two penalties. The Italian fullback was on target again with his boot in the 71st, but the home crowd's hopes of victory did not last, as Shanklin sold a dummy and went over after Wales had recaptured possession from the re
