Cipriani will be unleashed on the Irish in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash at Twickenham after coach Brian Ashton axed Jonny Wilkinson.

A poor display in the 15-9 defeat by Scotland resulted in Wilkinson being dropped for the first time in his career and now English hopes sit on Cipriani's young shoulders.

But two bruising European Cup contests between Munster and Wasps have convinced Wallace the 20-year-old is ready to spearhead England's assault.

"I've played against Danny this season and although he's inexperienced, he’s very capable," said the Ireland openside.

"We’ll probably have to keep an extra eye on him more than anything else.

"A lot of us have played against Jonny many times and we know his game, but Danny is a bit of an unknown for us.

"The Munster players have a bit more knowledge of him from this season and he’s a fine talent.

"Internationals are different from club games, though. Things can be sometimes tighter in club games so there might actually be more space for Danny on Saturday.

"He played quite well against us at Thomond Park. He seems quite level-headed.

"When you come up against some new guys you're not always sure how mentally strong they are, but Danny seems to have that strength.

"He’s less experienced than Jonny but he’s been playing well for Wasps and we’ll really have to watch him."

The form guide from this season's RBS 6 Nations suggests Saturday's protagonists should be fairly evenly matched as they battle for third place.

Both run out at Twickenham after two victories and two defeats and England start the match as favourites but Ireland's record against last year’s beaten World Cup finalists ensures they head to London without fear.

"We’re in an unprecedented situation at the moment with four wins in a row over England, with two of those coming at Twickenham," said Wallace.

"But we’re not letting the chance of making more history cloud the issue. We’ve had a tough campaign up to now and if we win at the weekend it’ll salvage something from this championship.

"England at home is obviously going to be a major challenge but we’ve done it a couple of times and have to use that as a confidence builder."