England head coach Stuart Lancaster has said that England will be better prepared for their trip to Ireland than two years ago.
The side then coached by Martin Johnson fell short at the final hurdle in their quest for a Grand Slam, but Lancaster believes the experience of England's tour of South Africa last year will benefit them in Dublin.
"This is a completely different team going to Dublin from 2011, with a different mentality," said Lancaster.
"That said, playing the Irish in Dublin is a unique challenge. We've got to be able to deal with the emotion of the occasion and still think clearly, making good, accurate decisions.
"That will be the true test of our maturity. It's a great challenge for us.
"Experiences like Johannesburg have definitely made us stronger. In all three of the Tests in South Africa the players learned some lessons about what it takes to get there - we all did.
"Mentally, we've got to be in the right place but that comes from the confidence we build in training."
Lancaster has a crucial decision to make over his midfield combination in the next few days, after Billy Twelvetrees impressed on debut against Scotland and Manu Tuilagi returned to fitness.
"I watched Manu through the course of last week; I could see he was back to running and changing direction," added Lancaster.
"He has missed a few games, but I'm confident we'll be able to use him after a full week's training.
"Billy played well against Scotland and Brad's contribution as always was positive, but Manu brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the game and the team, as we saw in his performance against the All Blacks."
Comments
Danatthecorner says...
To be honest, in his tenure thus far Stuart Lancaster has more than earned everyone's trust with his decisions. Why are folk still second geussing him?
Posted 08:30 06th February 2013
Spartacus says...
If Lancaster drops the inventive and exciting Twelvetrees for a larger and more predictable player, then I will put a bet on him being the next Bok coach!
Posted 21:05 05th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Lets not overemphasise South Africa as many from that squad have dropped out for various reasons:
Corbisiero Stevens Mears Webber Botha Deacon Lawes Palmer Clark Croft Dowson Johnson Morgan Foden Sharples Turner-Hall Hodgson Dickson Simpson
And there are several new faces that joined after: Parling Launchbury Haskell (and old) Twelvetrees Goode
It was a good selection acceleration process. But re experience of away games... Perhaps it will help a bit.
Posted 19:27 05th February 2013
chinstan says...
@ r0n1n Ireland could be having the worst run of form in their history and I would still fancy them against Eng at home in Dublin they always find a few more gears. Add on to that the fact they are actually in good form domestically and Internationally and I would put them as favourites for this game. Thank god this isn't a Grand slam decider (yet) as then I would give us no chance of winning.
That said think tha SL is right and this team has matured imeasurably over the last 12 months and if they can keep their emotions in check it should be a thrilling encounter. So in fact will the other 2 matches with all teams with something to prove. Going to be another roller coster weekend of rugby eutopia. Can't wait.
Posted 17:17 05th February 2013
Headhunter99 says...
@rugby_rockstar : I agree Ireland will start favourites but a Grand Slam decider ? Italy might have something to say about that... seriously whoever the winner is they'll still have to be right on top of their game to pull off a slam. Does anyone think the Irish might just fold up in the scrum like they did at Twickenham last season.
Lets hope the referees continue their excellent form and we should have a hell of a game. Heart says England but.the head... we all know the rest.
Posted 17:16 05th February 2013
Propmelsey says...
I think the south africa tour, plus the autumn internationals against South Africa & Australia have had a huge, positive impact on this England squad & Captain. England by another 20 points. Gran Slam without question.
Posted 14:30 05th February 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
England will reap the Irish whirlwind in the first 30 - you go to Dublin and that's what you have to face. Too many England sides have gone there to end up chasing a 20 to 30 point deficit within that period. (look at the Welsh just gone).
England need to keep it tight and look after the ball until the Irish adrenaline has dissipated. The Welsh probably did enough from 30 minutes onward to give England a bit of confidence.
Posted 13:52 05th February 2013
LondonWasp says...
@r01n
I dont think it will be very one sided, it is going to be very close. Ireland are going to give one hell of a game. should be great to watch. hopefully england can bring their A game to Dublin, because we all know Ireland will bring theirs....
Posted 13:21 05th February 2013
r0n1n says...
I think the contest will be very one sided... Ireland were very ordinary against an extremely poor welsh side.. England will have a significantly stronger pack / back line and will dominant the breakdown a lot more than wales did.
Posted 12:27 05th February 2013
TVaddict says...
I agree with him, for the mental and physical side of the game there is no better team to play than South Africa in South Africa, especially for the forwards. Hopefully we learnt enough to not get overawed in Ireland.
Posted 11:46 05th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
I'm going out on a limb and saying that the winner of Ireland V England will win a Grand Slam. I'm also making Ireland favourites due to home advantage, collective experience and the key absence of Alex Corbisero. I'm not saying they are massive favourites but Ireland fans have reason to be confident. English Fans will just have to be our usual bullheaded, stubborn, never say die selves. :)
Posted 11:33 05th February 2013