WITH EIGHT LONG months to come between home international Tests, it’s vital for Ireland to leave at least an upward-facing tail on what has  – at best – been a pretty flat trajectory through this year’s Six Nations.

England come to town as reigning Grand Slam winners, back-to-back Six Nations champions and with a palate that has forgotten the bitter taste of defeat having not sampled one since their World Cup in 2015.

There is plenty to draw the attention their way, not least that bid to break the All Black record of 18 straight Test wins. However, the hymn sheet for Ireland players at Carton House today included lingering notes on their own areas of improvement.

“It’s not about that for us,” said Sean O’Brien when asked about England’s double incentive this week.

It’s tough to argue with that approach when the 2014 and 2015 champions are trying to steer clear of ending a second straight Championship with just two wins to their name. Still, it’s a game of fine margins and Ireland remain confident in their ability to shade those areas against any team.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

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