The Irish have successfully negotiated the first two steps on the path to an RBS 6 Nations clean sweep with highly-professional away victories over Italy and Scotland.

They now face England, sure to be wounded after successive defeats, in Dublin a week on Sunday and will be trying to record back-to-back wins over the world champions having shocked them at Twickenham last year.

The last time England visited Lansdowne Road, however, Sir Clive Woodward's side finally got their hands on the Grand Slam when a Lawrence Dallaglio-inspired England ran out surprisingly easy 42-6 winners in a match where Ireland were expected to provide the stiffest opposition Martin Johnson's team had faced that season.

Despite that reverse in 2003, O'Sullivan is looking forward to the home comforts of Dublin after digging out tough victories in tricky trips to Rome and Edinburgh, although the latter sounded like Templebar last weekend as Ireland were roared on by a large and vocal support.

He said: ''The England match is going to be very physical but the boys are going back to Lansdowne Road, which has been a good hunting ground for us.

''It is going to be a phenomenal atmosphere and we are looking forward to the England game.

''That's two wins and now we have two wins to go - and it gives us the chance to get people back, get a break and come back refreshed for the England game.

''We will recharge our batteries and come in next week, ready to go - we are certainly champing at the bit.''

O'Sullivan was quick to acknowledge Ireland's opening two wins did not produce classic rugby, but believes the successes on the road demonstrates the character of his side.

He said: ''We have learned several things from the two games. We have learned to keep our shape and composure under pressure and learned patience as well.

''Those are good learning curves in the Six Nations Championship.

It has not been the prettiest two weeks of rugby but I would rather be ugly and win, than lose and be pretty.''