Haskell: Red Rose braced for the backlash

JAMES HASKELL believes Saturday’s clash with Ireland is the biggest game that any of the England side will have played in and is wary of a backlash from their hosts after their controversial defeat in Wales.

The flanker was outstanding as Martin Johnson’s side scraped past Scotland by six points on Sunday to ensure England stayed on course for their first Grand Slam since 2003.

The 2003 triumph was sealed thanks to a comprehensive 42-6 victory in Dublin, and eight months later England were crowned world champions, beating Australia in Sydney.