England face ‘biggest challenge since World Cup’

ENGLAND boss Clive Woodward last night teed up a mouth-watering RBS Six Nations clash against Ireland by declaring: “It is our biggest challenge since the World Cup final.”

England face ‘biggest challenge since World Cup’
Sat, 06 Mar, 2004 - 00:00
Andrew Baldock

The world champions make their eagerly-awaited Test match return to Twickenham today when a capacity 75,000 crowd will hail Woodward's conquering heroes.

But Ireland, fresh from walloping Wales in Dublin, are hell-bent on gatecrashing the party.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner.

Annual €130 €80

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

Benefit image

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Andy Farrell 12/2/2026 Experienced Ireland players need to 'show the way' against Italy, says Farrell 
Ireland Rugby Media Conference How many cards has Andy Farrell left to play as Ireland head coach?
Craig Casey dejected after the match 5/2/2026 Six Nations: Craig Casey starts as one of six Irish changes for Italian clash
CourtsRugbySix NationsPlace: TwickenhamPlace: WalesPlace: DublinPlace: New ZealandPlace: ParisPlace: RomePlace: EdinburghPlace: AustraliaPlace: South AfricaPerson: Clive WoodwardPerson: WoodwardPerson: AustraliansPerson: Brian O'DriscollPerson: Danny GrewcockPerson: Simon ShawPerson: Steve BorthwickPerson: Matt DawsonPerson: Joe WorsleyPerson: Neil BackPerson: Jason LeonardPerson: Matt StevensPerson: BorthwickPerson: Andy RobinsonPerson: Martin JohnsonPerson: StevensPerson: Chris JonesPerson: James Simpson-DanielEvent: World CupEvent: World Cup finalEvent: 1999 World CupEvent: World Cup 2007Organisation: EnglandOrganisation: IrelandOrganisation: ItalyOrganisation: ScotlandOrganisation: WalesOrganisation: Bath
<p>REBUILD: Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile</p>

Regeneration project means fans will have to endure 'a little bit of pain' says Farrell

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers. and reporters

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers. and reporters

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited