London Irish-flyer Yarde, 19, saw little of the ball last weekend as the Red Rose’s ten-match unbeaten run in the Championship was ended by the French in Vannes.

Four penalties from the boot of scrum-half Tom Ecochard did for England, who scored the only try of the game through David Sisi, at the Stade de la Rabine as they lost 12-8.

Yarde admits the loss took England by surprise and is keen to banish its memory by beating Ireland at Wasps’ home ground and retain their RBS 6 Nations crownin the process.

“We are disappointed because we went out there fully confident that we were going to win,” said Yarde.

“Some parts of our game didn’t function well. We showed a few glimpses of what we can do but we were on the back foot for most of the game.

“On the front foot we looked good though. Maybe we had some issues at the set piece and in other areas but we’ll touch those up this week.

“We’re very critical of our performance, we look at ourselves more than anyone else and we’re looking forward to this Friday because it’s winner takes all.

“We’re giving Ireland lots of respect because they’ve won all their games.

“At the beginning of the year our aim was to go out and win the 6 Nations and also win the World Cup in the summer but we’ve got to beat Ireland first, that’s what we are all focusing on.”

Win or lose on Friday night, by Monday morning Yarde’s attentions will have switched to domestic duties with the Exiles.

“After this week I am back at London Irish and I’ll be trying to get back in the squad,” he said.

“I came back from a dislocated shoulder in January and since then I’ve managed to be in quite a few match-day squads.

“I’m still 19 so I’ve still got a long way to go and lots to learn and I can do that at Irish because there are lots of experienced guys at the club.

Yarde’s 18-year-old team mate at London Irish and England, Anthony Watson isn’t one of those but Yarde believes they canthe speedy duo can learn from each other all the same.

“Anthony’s done really well and we chat to each other a lot but I can’t give him that much advice because I’m still really young,” commented Yarde.

“We compete in terms of speed though. I’m obviously quicker but if he heard me say that he would just grin.”