DAN Biggar says that Wales were too shattered to toast a job well done against Ireland but has hailed the spirited show that has given them a shot of the title.

The 23-16 victory, earned by their backs-to-the-wall defensive exploits in the second half, leaves them in with a chance of topping the table come 7pm on Saturday.

Not that the squad were able to leap around with joy after ending Irish Grand Slam hopes, according to fly-half Biggar.

"The camp is hugely satisfied with that victory but it was almost not like it's a winning dressing room because the boys put so much effort in," said the Ospreys man.

"They were pretty knackered but when we analyse that on Monday, the fight and the spirit we showed will be clear for everybody to see.

"We have given ourselves a fighting chance to go out to Rome and win this title again. If we can win it, from everybody writing us off that first weekend, it will be one of this team's best achievements."

"It was just hugely pleasing to come through and, hopefully, we can win in Italy and other results will go our way," he continued.

"Maybe Scotland can do us a favour at home to Ireland and France against England at Twickenham.

"We know we have to score some points in Italy but it's all on – this win has given us a chance of the title."

The defensive exploits in the third quarter will live long in the memory but it was Wales' magnificent start that set up the victory.

Wales led 12-0 thanks to a quartet of Leigh Halfpenny penalties before Ireland settled after the delay while Samson Lee was treated for his Achilles injury.

"We started superbly but that bad injury to Samson might have disrupted us and gave Ireland a respite and a chance to regroup," said Biggar.

"We kicked accurately, we chased well. To go 12-0 up inside 13 minutes was perfect. We did nothing flash, we did the basics well, played territory and got our reward.

"We have got some pretty good people in the air in this team so it's not an issue for us to kick at teams.

"Ireland are also extremely good in the air but we backed ourselves. It paid dividends and gave us a bit of confidence to go on.

"We knew Ireland were going to come back and have their moments although we didn't think they would have so many.

"We probably gave Ireland a couple of soft penalties and just allowed them to stick in the game.

"Our defence was excellent but we conceded some penalties which allowed Ireland some territory and shots at goal. Otherwise, we couldn't have asked for much more, it was a huge performance from everybody."