Brian Ashton's team were downed 43-13 as Ireland marked an historic occasion at the home of Gaelic sport in fitting style.

The rivals meet again in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash at Twickenham and O'Sullivan fears the inevitable backlash.

"That result goes to show what a fickle business we’re in. Things can change very quickly – in a week even," he said.

"In some ways what happened last year will inspire England. They will have been hurt by that result and will want to put it right.

"But we’ve proven that if we do play up to par we’re capable of beating England.

"The trick is to replicate that on Saturday, go back to the trenches and show what we can do.

"Knowing we have done it in the past is positive, but you also know you have to go out and execute the plan."

Geordan Murphy will start at full-back after passing a fitness test on his Achilles injury.

"It’s good to have Geordan back. He was unfortunate not to play against Wales because we really thought he had a chance," said O'Sullivan.

"That proved not to be the case but he’s back now and the medics have done a great job on getting him fit and healthy. He loves playing against England.

"He plays for Leicester and knows a lot of the England players. He’s an experienced guy and that's what we need at Twickenham."