England opened their season with consecutive defeats to Wales and France and another loss in Ireland would register their worst run of results in the championship since 1987.

But the mood in the camp is one of fierce and bubbling determination and Robinson issued a rallying cry designed to shake Lansdowne Road to its foundations.

Everybody is disappointed with what has happened and the criticisms that has been levelled. It is down to us; it is our responsibility, said Robinson.

We know we can go to Ireland and win. We are not going to make up the numbers, we are going there to get in their faces. We are going there to play.

We are not going there to watch Ireland play and be bridesmaids. We are going there to win.

Englands preparations have been beset by problems all week - not least Wednesdays training session which was called off because of a frozen pitch - and an injury shadow hangs over the side Robinson named on Tuesday.

Flanker Lewis Moody was taken to hospital to have an infected finger examined, which means Sale flanker Chris Jones has remained with the squad on stand-by. Gloucesters Andy Hazell would return to the starting line-up if Moody fails to make the game.

Robinson took the opportunity to address unequivocally all the criticism his side has taken since they trudged off after the 18-17 defeat to France.

And he stressed that Charlie Hodgson, who missed three penalties and a drop goal in the defeat to France, will remain Englands number one goalkicker.

His state of mind is very good, said Robinson.

We were disappointed to have lost the France game in the way we did. He responded well last week with his goalkicking for Sale and he will be number one goalkicker this week.

Englands kicking coach Dave Alred worked closely with Hodgson during the week, fine-tuning his preparations but never considered altering the Sale fly-halfs technique.

And it paid off as Hodgson booted Sale to victory over Leeds in the Premiership last Friday.

I have full confidence in Charlies ability. I was very confident he would perform well for Sale on Friday, said Alred.

I suggested a slight change in emphasis in one or two of the preparatory sessions he would do on his own, which he did and he was happy with his results.

Alred has been delighted with the way Hodgson has been striking the ball and felt his poor form - which has yielded a disappointing three successful kicks from his last 10 for England - has just been a radar problem.