Easterby urges Ireland to make chances count in ‘arm wrestle’

Ireland may have got over the line to beat France last time out but forwards coach Simon Easterby believes they will have to make every opportunity count on Sunday against England if they are to continue their RBS 6 Nations campaign unbeaten.

Joe Schmidt’s team went tryless against the French, relying on the kicking boots of Johnny Sexton and Ian Madigan to secure the points in an 18-11 victory in Dublin.

Yet the Irish management are preparing their players for a tougher challenge when the English arrive at the Aviva Stadium this weekend. Easterby knows they cannot afford to put down the sort of passes or make the type of mistakes they did in attack 12 days ago if they are to beat England for the first time since the 2011 Six Nations.