The Irish are chasing a hat-trick of RBS 6 Nations wins against their hosts, and current form suggests they could achieve that feat for a first time since reeling off three victories between 1974 and 1976.

Ireland will encounter an England side virtually unrecognisable from the one beaten 31-6 by France in Paris last weekend.

Andy Robinson has made seven changes, which represents the most radical surgery carried out by an England head coach in a championship match for 20 years.

Matt Stevens has been ruled out with a recurrence of the shoulder injury which saw him miss the 18-12 defeat by Scotland three weeks ago, so Julian White - who was set to be dropped - is handed a reprieve in the front row.

But five other World Cup winners - Josh Lewsey, Mike Tindall, Matt Dawson, Steve Thompson and Danny Grewcock - have been axed from the starting line-up, while injured fly-half Charlie Hodgson is replaced by Andy Goode.

Goode, Wasps centre Stuart Abbott and Bath hooker Lee Mears all make their first RBS 6 Nations starts, with wing Tom Voyce preferred in the number 15 shirt to a more established Lewsey.

Ireland, though, must guard against complacency and a tendency to freeze when the heat is really on.

They cracked badly against Wales in Cardiff last season, as their opponents cruised to the Grand Slam by romping home 32-20, and England are desperate to try and salvage something from a disappointing campaign.

If Ireland can put all the expectancy to one side and concentrate on a powerful 80-minute performance, the likes of skipper Brian O'Driscoll, his fellow centre Gordon D'Arcy and fly-half Ronan O'Gara could enjoy a fruitful day.

England possess plenty of incentive to bounce back from tryless defeats against Scotland and France, but whether they can stop an Irish side that has a degree of momentum remains to be seen.