A masterclass from Jonathan Sexton helped Ireland wrest the initiative in the Six Nations courtesy of a 19-9 victory over England - equalling a record 10 straight Test wins in the process.

Sunday's clash at the Aviva Stadium was billed as a potential title decider and it was the defending champions who kept their 100 per cent record intact, while inflicting a first tournament defeat on England.

Fly-half Sexton was at the heart of Ireland's victory with 14 of his team's points, while his tactical kicking and decision making was flawless - the Dublin crowd affording the number 10 a standing ovation when he departed play in the 53rd minute.

England showed plenty of endeavour and grew in stature in the second half, but Stuart Lancaster's men failed to match the discipline and tactical nous exhibited by Ireland throughout.

The solitary try of the game came from Robbie Henshaw, who showed great hands to touch down in the 52nd minute.

Joe Schmidt's side have levelled their record of 10 straight wins, their last defeat coming against England at Twickenham in last season's Six Nations.

Ireland started the quickest and a Sexton penalty got the hosts up and running.

The early pressure continued as Ireland pilled on the pressure, the visitors doing enough to hold up a drive just in front of the posts before another three points from Sexton stretched the lead.

England got a foothold in the match, though, and George Ford put them on the board with a drop goal.

Lancaster's men were wasteful at the set-piece, though, two promising line-outs deep in Irish territory were stolen by the hosts.

Ireland punished England's indiscretion at the breakdown with a further three points from Sexton, who missed another penalty shortly before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion with Ireland's superior organisation and discipline resulting in Sexton making in 12-3.

And the pressure resulted in the game's first try. A delicate kick from Conor Murray was gathered expertly by Henshaw under pressure from Alex Goode - the television match official confirming he was not in touch when he grounded the ball.

A pair of Ford penalties chipped away at Ireland's lead, while the introduction of Nick Easter gave England more thrust in attack.

However, the improvement came too late as Ireland held on to record a first win over England since the 2011 Six Nations and kept their grand slam hopes alive.