It may not be the Grand Slam or Six Nations title decider that we hoped for but there is always something special about Ireland-England games. The English have travelled Dublin with their sights set on a second successive Grand Slam and a record-breaking 19th consecutive Test victory. They are convinced the hosts want to spoil the party, but Ireland have a few things to play for themselves.
Victory will secure their place among the top seeds for the upcoming World Cup draw. Having beaten the All Blacks and the Wallabies in November, they can complete a remarkable treble over the world's top three nations. The outcome of the game will determine whether they finish a frustrating Six Nations campaign in second place or second from bottom. Come five o'clock on Saturday, though, when Joe Schmidt's men line out against the 15 white shirts at the Aviva Stadium, all that matters will be defeating the 'auld enemy'.
It won't be easy. Ireland have beaten England just once since ending their Grand Slam hopes in Dublin in 2011. The loss of a world class scrum half in Conor Murray is a big blow, but making three changes to the team will hopefully inject a new energy. Having resisted calls to play Jared Payne at full back last year, Joe Schmidt has finally selected the Kiwi born Ulsterman in his favoured position. Dropping Devin Toner is a sign that Ireland's struggling line out can no longer be ignored.
Blunt, Stale, Predictable. Not the words you would associate with a team that scored 5 tries against New Zealand a few months ago. Apart from the big win in Rome, Ireland have touched down just four times in this year's Six Nations. England have scored 16 tries with 6 of those coming against Italy.
'Tiny margins' was one of the phrases used by Joe Schmidt to explain Ireland's failure to get past the Welsh defence last week. Those tiny margins must now swing in Ireland's favour.
England rode their luck to leave Cardiff with a win and hold off the challenge of France at Twickenham. Italy showed the English can also be vulnerable to some clever tricks. They certainly have consistency, but their 18 match winning streak does not include a victory over the All Blacks, nor a win in Dublin.
This match has long been billed as a battle of the Farrells. Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell is plotting the downfall of his old team, by trying to neutralise the attacking threat of his son Owen. It seems Joe Schmidt had an answer ready when asked about the insights his defence coach had about his son, and showed some fighting spirit in dismissing as "outside noise" comments made by his opposite number Eddie Jones.
"I've no doubt he knows Owen really well." Joe Schmidt on Andy & Owen Farrell's #IrevEng meeting. He also dismisses Eddie Jones' latest quip pic.twitter.com/T5mrONcYrD
— Today FM Sport (@todayfmsport) March 16, 2017
England have been able to recall Anthony Watson and Billy Vunipola. The return from injury of the big number 8 is seen as a major boost. He was impressive when introduced from the bench against Scotland and had a man of the match performance against Ireland at Twickenham last year. There is no doubt Vunipola has been in Joe Schmidt's crosshairs since then and the Irish defence should be primed for the challenge.
"It's gotta be a green wave". @RoryBest2 explains how @IrishRugby must deal with @EnglandRugby Billy Vunipola. #IrevEng pic.twitter.com/QkT63fYUoV
— Today FM Sport (@todayfmsport) March 17, 2017
Ireland have been favourites for every game they have played in the Championship so far. The bookmakers predict that England will win this match by four points, but they have been wrong before. The need to make amends paid rich dividends for both Wales and England last week, now it is Ireland's turn to bounce back. It will require their best performance since Chicago, but Ireland can still show that on their day they can beat any team in the world.
Kick off at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday is at 5 o'clock.
It's Ireland against England in the last match of the 2017 Six Nations Championship.
