News article – Style E 4290

England coach Andy Robinson, mindful of a third straight RBS Six Nations defeat, has asked his charges to get in the faces of Ireland’s players on Sunday, and not just “make up the numbers.”

Robinson – who took over from Sir Clive Woodward last October – is winless in his debut Six Nations season, but knows the World champions must keep their chins up.

“Everyone is very disappointed with what’s happened and with the criticism that has been levelled but we are very focused,” said Robinson – a former assistant to Woodward, and the 2001 British and Irish Lions.

“We know we can go to Dublin and win. We are going there to get into their faces.”

Robinson has targeted both the lineout and ruck as the battle areas England must gain a foothold in on Sunday.

He explained: “In each game we’ve missed a number of line-outs. It cost us the game against Wales but it has has improved.
“It was better against France and will have to go up another notch against Ireland. It will be a huge battle.

“Look at the way they tore us apart last year. If it doesn’t function, we will be in for a torrid time.

“The rucks will be key too,” he added. “If we had had quick ball in the last two games, you would have seen a lot more attacking rhythm and flair.

“That’s one thing we have been working hard on, generating a blast at the contact area, to make sure we win it dynamically, so no slow ball.”

England – who have a slight doubt remaining over Leicester flanker Lewis Moody’s participation (infected finger) – have made just one change to the side which lost 18-17 to France last time out.

Bath tighthead prop Matt Stevens – replacing the broken arm-victim Phil Vickery – is set for his first start, while impressive Leicester back duo Ollie Smith and Andy Goode have been drafted onto the replacements’ bench.

ENGLAND (v Ireland):

(15) Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks) (Captain)
(14) Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
(13) Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
(12) Olly Barkley (Bath)
(11) Josh Lewsey (London Wasps)
(10) Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks)
(9) Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers)
(1) Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers)
(2) Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints)
(3) Matt Stevens (Bath)
(4) Danny Grewcock (Bath)
(5) Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers)
(6) Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
(7) Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
(8) Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers)

Replacements:

(16) Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks)
(17) Duncan Bell (Bath)
(18) Steve Borthwick (Bath)
(19) Andy Hazell (Gloucester)
(20) Matt Dawson (London Wasps)
(21) Andy Goode (Leicester Tigers)
(22) Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers)