England aiming to settle a score

MARTIN JOHNSON views today’s Ireland game as the perfect launch-pad for England’s campaign in New Zealand, which begins against Argentina on September 10.

England fielded mixed-and-matched teams in their warm-up matches against Wales but there is a different air to this game, there is something more at stake. Five months ago, England had their Grand Slam dreams wrecked by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. This is a revenge mission.

“It is a good opportunity to come back and do it,” said Johnson.