Encounter will be no bed of red roses

THERE’S something about the English arriving at Lansdowne Road that stirs the passion. With the proposed redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, this is likely to be their last game in this stadium, as we know it.

In two years' time, their visit may generate an even more passionate atmosphere, given the possibility it could be played in Croke Park. We await the upcoming GAA Congress with great interest.

Of more immediate concern is the challenge facing Ireland on Sunday. It is a long time since the Irish faced an English side as such overwhelming favourites. While we have enjoyed little success over England in recent years, last season's triumph in Twickenham was all the more memorable, given their status as world champions.