Ireland have thwarted England's attempt at breaking the All Blacks' world record for consecutive Test wins, downing the defending Six Nations champions 13-9 in Dublin Sunday morning (NZ Time).
England were looking to move past the mark of 18-straight wins set by New Zealand in late 2016 but it was Ireland who would again play spoilers, with a gritty victory which also spoiled a second consecutive Grand Slam for the English.
The hosts scored the match's only try through lock Iain Henderson in the 24th minute, a late replacement after Jamie Heaslip was scratched from the starting line-up during warm-ups, while all of England's points came via Owen Farrell penalties.
The boot of Johnny Sexton kept Ireland's noses ahead throughout the contest while their determined forwards kept pace with the highly-vaunted English pack, staunchly defending a tryline which was rarely threatened, and ultimately managing to hold on for a dramatic Test triumph.
It was the second time in less than four months that the Irish have snapped a world record, with their famous win over the All Blacks in Chicago in November also ending the New Zealanders' run at 18.
Inspirational captain Rory Best hailed his side's "monumental effort" in denying England another unbeaten Six Nations campaign.
"It's days like this that you have to be very proud of the boys," said the 34-year-old hooker.
Kiwi-born English captain Dylan Hartley lamented the sour end to a potentially historic campaign.
"Obviously disappointed not to win this final game because we had high hopes, we had high expectations of ourselves," said Hartley.
"It goes to show we're not quite there yet as a team. Full credit to Ireland,(they) put us under unbelievable pressure today and gave us one hell of a Test match.
"We're not the finished article, this will keep us grounded, plenty of work to do."
Eddie Jones' side were already assured of this year's Six Nations title, Ireland's win securing them second place.
The focus for five of the tournament's sides now shifts towards the Lions as they prepare for their highly-anticipated tour to New Zealand in June.
In other results, France snatched a dramatic, albeit bizarre, win over Wales in the contest's 100th minute, while Scotland sent Kiwi coach Vern Cotter off in style with a 29-0 thumping of Italy.
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