Win will have knock-on effect

FROM an Irish perspective, there are a few more rewarding games to win than against England at Twickenham.

On average it happens once every ten years. Last Saturday’s victory was achieved against 11 of England’s starting World Cup final team. This qualifies it as Ireland’s greatest ever success at RFU headquarters and the tangible results will only be measured in the fullness of time.

England had not tasted defeat in the Five/Six nations championship on home soil since 1997. Understandably, this group of England players are immensely proud of that record. They just do not contemplate defeat at Twickenham. Over the last few seasons, the England management have done everything to turn it into a fortress. The home dressing room is adorned with the cross of St George and each player is assigned his own changing pew complete with name and national emblem. The latest addition, designed to undermine the confidence of the visiting team, is a series of plaques on the entrance to the visitor’s dressing room celebrating England’s greatest victories.