England currently sit top of the RBS Women’s 6 Nations table, winning two out of two games so far and scoring 72 points in the process while conceding none.

But Neville is relishing the chance to test themselves against such strong opposition.

She said: “We can’t wait to be honest. England are obviously playing quite well and it will be a big challenge but we can’t wait to get started.

“We have progressed in the last few weeks and hopefully with a bit of luck on the day we can get a good result.”

And the No.8 believes the Irish’s strength in depth could be the difference between victory and defeat at Esher on Sunday night.

Neville added: “We have a strong squad now. A number of new players have come through into the team and that is great to see.

“There are girls being left out of the 22 that wouldn’t have been in the past.

“The chance of getting a real historic win against England is in the players’ minds and we will do our best come Sunday.”