Despite a hit-and-miss campaign for Declan Kidney’s men so far, their defence has been one of the most impressive in the Championship with just three tries conceded in four games – one of which was Mike Phillips’ disputed score for Wales.

England, meanwhile, have racked up 12 tries in their four matches with winger Chris Ashton needing just one touchdown to pass Will Greenwood and Shane Williams’ record of six tries in a single Six Nations campaign.

But Kiss has warned Ireland not just to focus on England’s widemen as they look to derail the Red Rose chariot at the Aviva Stadium.

He said: “England offer the biggest challenge so far to our defence and combine a balance of power with a sharp cutting edge.

“While the other teams asked us questions in one or two areas, I think England will ask those questions right across the park whether that be around the rucks, in midfield or out wide.

“They also have the ability to mix it up, but it means that we have to be equally as sharp and put pressure on them in the right areas to ensure that they have to think long and hard about where they want to attack.

“I felt our defence was always comfortable [against Wales] and we were really smart on how we defended the channels and stopped their big men when they sent them down trying to punch holes on the gain line.

“The guys talked about their belief in our defence and they showed that at the weekend and I was really happy with our completion rate, accuracy and ability to adapt to the situation.”