The world champions have won their last 22 Test matches on home soil - a sequence stretching back to World Cup 1999 - which emphasises the magnitude of Irelands task.

But the Irish are expected to give England their toughest examination in this seasons tournament so far - a fact not lost on prop Trevor Woodman or flanker Richard Hill.

Its going to be great to play at Twickenham again in front of a home crowd. We have dug out two victories (against Italy and Scotland), and now we are up against an Ireland team which is playing some good rugby, said Woodman.

They have some powerful forwards who played particularly well against Wales, and we have to be ready for what they will bring to Twickenham. They will give us some serious trouble if we are not ready for them."

Hill added: The Irish pack have played consistently well. They are a very strong unit who win a significant percentage of lineout ball on their own throw and disrupt the opposition on theirs.

As a team, we have been under pressure for quite a long time. We have a huge amount of pride in what we have achieved and none of us want to let the side down. That is the pressure we live with and winning the World Cup has brought a little bit more.

Ireland have not beaten England at Twickenham since 1994, when Simon Geoghegans try helped them secure a famous 13-12 success, but Sir Clive Woodward is well aware of the threat they pose.

Ireland blew Wales away last time out, and we saw the proper Ireland play, Woodward said.

They are an outstanding team and its only a few months ago that they should have beaten Australia in the World Cup.

They have got a very experienced pack, arguably one of the worlds best players in the centre (Brian ODriscoll), and half-backs who know what they are doing. Theyre going to be very dangerous, weve got no doubt about that.

Meanwhile, England scrum-half Kyran Bracken has decided to retire from the international arena.

The 32-year-old Saracens star won the last of his 51 caps when coming off the bench in the World Cup semi-final win over France and was an unused substitute for the final against Australia in Sydney.

He joins former England captain Martin Johnson in calling time on his international career.

Bracken told BBC Sport Online: I have done everything I wanted to do but the ambition to play for England is no longer there.

Like Martin, I've become battle-weary and the time is right to walk away.

I wanted to retire straight after the World Cup but I couldnt bring myself to make a final decision.

Sir Clive Woodward persuaded me not to, but Ive had time to reflect since then. You need to give 100% if you are going to be successful in this game."