The clash will take place at Gloucester on Friday night and local favourite Jordi Pasqualin will take his place on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.

England head into the game after back-to-back wins over Wales (41-14) and Italy (16-10) but went down to an agonising 19-18 defeat against Ireland last season – losing to a late long range drop goal from Ian Madigan.

And with the memory of last year’s heartache still hurting him coach Mapletoft knows his side will need to be on their game from the first whistle.

"Ireland look a good side and were very convincing winners against Italy,” said Mapletoft. “They've got a strong ball-carrying back row, strong centres, a good full back and will threaten all over the pitch.