That does not mean he has conceded defeat in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations showdown in Dublin - but Robinson has admitted England must improve dramatically if they are to beat the grand slam favourites.

England are wary of fly-half Ronan O'Gara pinning them back and, of course, the talents of Brian O'Driscoll who returns to the centres after injury.

But Robinson also alluded to Ireland's sense of self-belief, the same will to win which only two years ago saw England achieve their most notable victories - kick-started by a win in Dublin to seal the grand slam.

"They have been through a number of difficulties by losing odd matches, but the side has stayed together," said Robinson.

"You know when a side stays together - as England had a couple of years ago - a side finds belief and wins tight games. They beat Argentina; they held on to beat South Africa.

"They are a side with belief; plus the threat of O'Driscoll is always massive - and we as a coaching team really respect (full-back) Geordan Murphy. He has always played well against us.

"We must look to dominate field position in this game and not give them any opportunities.

"They have a very streetwise pack. They have dominated sides because of their ability to put the ball into corners and squeeze the life out of teams.

"The line-out is going to be a huge battle. You look at the way they tore us apart in the line-out last year.''