Ireland plan to spoil Twickenham party
ENGLAND vs IRELAND
IRELAND lock Donncha O’Callaghan has stoked the fires ahead of tomorrow’s Six Nations climax by reminding England players their white jerseys will act as a “red rag”.
Stuart Lancaster’s side must defeat Ireland at Twickenham and hope France beat Wales in Cardiff to retain their title – even were that to happen, the Red Rose require a 38-point swing to overtake Warren Gatland’s World Cup semi-finalists.
O’Callaghan and his team-mates are intent, however, on ensuring the only party at HQ is an Irish one which could spark some memorable St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
He said: “I remember going on Lions tours believing half these fellas are eejits (idiots) and that I wouldn’t like them, only to come away thinking they’re the soundest guys you could meet.
“That’s definitely been the case, but come tomorrow they’ll be in an England shirt and nothing will change in the way we treat them.
“England shirts are a red rag to the Irish. When we play England in anything, we want to do well and perform.”
Meanwhile, Lancaster has made just one change to the side which won so impressively in France last weekend with David Strettle (right) replacing Charlie Sharples on the wing. There is also one change on the bench, with Lee Mears replacing injured hooker Rob Webber.