Expect a daunting atmosphere, Flutey warns Ireland

WALK into any pub and mention the atmosphere at the finest rugby stadiums around the globe and you will hear the hushed, reverential tones of someone describing how a moving sea of 82,000 Ireland fans at Croke Park can sow the seeds of doubt in opposition minds.

But if there is a stadium in the northern hemisphere that comes close to reproducing the sight, sound and adrenalin rush of Croker on match-day, it is surely the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where Declan Kidney’s side will have to win tomorrow if they are to claim their first Grand Slam since 1948.

But one of the unmentioned facets of any match-day — one that begins to get the heart pumping — is the coach ride into the stadium, and Riki Flutey, the England centre, has given Ireland a stark warning of what to expect as they ready themselves for a match that is seemingly too close to call.