When England take to the Croke Park turf for the first time on Saturday, their chances of victory will be slender. Ireland, who were below par against the French, will be boosted by the return of key players Brian O'Driscoll and Peter Stringer.

They have the most experienced and settled team in the Six Nations, and possess the most deadly back division in the competition. Victories over Australia and South Africa have shown they are one of very few teams who have a chance of upsetting the All Blacks when the World Cup begins this autumn.

England will be without their most potent force, Jason Robinson, who since his return from retirement has shown what England have been missing. Concerns over Johnny Wilkinson’s fitness mean he will undergo a late fitness test. Things aren't looking too rosy for the men in white.

However, England can take heart from the Heineken Cup performances of Leicester and Gloucester, who beat Munster and Leinster, the two teams who provide the majority of Ireland’s players. They achieved this by astute tactical play. Keeping the game tight, over-powering the Irish forwards and then attacking round the fringes. Outside-half Ronan O'Gara isn't the world’s biggest tackler and Joe Worsley and Andy Farrell will get well past the gain-line if they target his channel. This will also negate the defensive qualities of skipper O'Driscoll, whose ability to win turnover ball make him an extra number seven.

This game could be the defining moment for Farrell, who has yet to look at home on the international stage. The wrong side of 30, he is running out of time to justify the massive expense the RFU went to when securing his services. Physically he will have the edge over Gordon D'Arcy and he must use this to his advantage with direct running and rush defence.

In training, coach Brian Ashton has been working on England’s midfield defence in order to nullify D'Arcy and O'Driscoll. The best way to do this is to starve them of possesion and play a tight game, gaining as much territorial advantage as possible. As Italy proved against England, when the ball is in the opposition half they can't hurt you.