ROME -- Wales unleashed a breathtaking seven-try burst in the second half to crush Italy 61-20 at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday for a Six Nations win that ultimately proved in vain in its bid for a third title in four years.

Ireland's 40-10 victory over Scotland hours later ensured Wales finished below the Irish in the standings, despite shredding the outclassed Italians. England played France in the late game and could deny Ireland by winning by 26 points at Twickenham.

Wales, England and Ireland all started the final round separated only on points difference.

"It was a great second-half performance, and the biggest away win for Wales in the Six Nations is another milestone for these guys," Wales coach Warren Gatland. "We dug in there, and 60 points is not bad. We can look forward to the World Cup now."

Wales led only 14-13 at halftime, but broke Italian resistance soon after halftime and rushed to 61-13.

George North scored his first test hat trick in a 10-minute span as Wales ran rampant, even from its own tryline. Italy helped Wales' cause by playing for 20 minutes a man down, conceding five tries in that time, and tackling poorly, if at all.

"After the victory against Scotland, we have gone backwards in the past two matches," Italy coach Jacques Brunel said. "I don't know if we're backwards in respect to last year. We'll evaluate our performances, the management, the players, and everything.

"It's also a humiliation for me. We're going out with an incomprehensible result. But I can't do an evaluation now. I'll do it in the week, calmly."

The Azzurri landed a last-minute blow against the Welsh with a converted try from Leonardo Sarto, cutting Wales' precious winning margin and adding to their anxious wait. In the end, that score wasn't crucial, and Wales still had its highest score and biggest margin ever against Italy.

The first half didn't forecast the final result.

Italy lost flyhalf Kelly Haimona early when he hurt his arm in a bang with Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts, while Wales lost fullback Leigh Halfpenny when his head collided with the knee of surging No. 8 Samuela Vunisa.

Before he was helped off, though, Halfpenny's deft grubber was picked up by Roberts for the opening try. Italy had a riposte for that, too, when winger Giovanbattista Venditti caught the Welsh forwards with their backs turned at a maul, and charged past Roberts to touch down.

Biggar, kicking for the absent Halfpenny, nailed a penalty in off the post on halftime to give Wales a fair one-point lead.

It all changed in the 47th minute. Italy had been holding out Wales in its 22 when it conceded a penalty. Instead of taking the kick, Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb quick-tapped and fed Liam Williams, who burst through for a too-easy try.

The tension broke. Italy slumped, and Wales took off.

Williams took a nothing chip from Italy replacement flyhalf Luciano Orquera inside his half, sliced through the screen, and North roared up on the left touch to finish off.

When Italy midfielder Andrea Masi was yellow-carded for tackling off the ball, Wales pounced instantly. Alun Wyn Jones stole an Italy throw-in, and North shrugged off a weak tackle for his second try.

Wales sent in forward reinforcements with fresh legs, and Justin Tipuric and Ken Owens made a difference.

Owens charged from a lineout, and North split the midfield, beating three more weak tackles to achieve his hat trick.

Masi came back from the sin-bin, only for replacement lock Quintin Geldenhuys to head there for dragging down a maul.

Webb scored, then captain Sam Warburton in the 69th for 54-13. After the softness of most of the tries, Wales finally worked for one.

Italy was mauling off a lineout and closing on the Welsh tryline when the ball was stripped and flew to the Welsh. Jonathan Davies broke out, found support, and replacement wing Scott Williams took the last pass and just made the tryline. Biggar converted, making his seventh goalkick of eight attempts.

At 61-13, Wales was still trying for more points, but in the last minute, a knock-on let Italy counterattack, and Sarto dashed 60 metres to score. Orquera even made the conversion from the touchline.