Despite a request by Ashton and Rugby Football Union elite rugby director Rob Andrew for Englands Croke Park line-up to be rested en bloc from Premiership duties, six players came under starters orders.

But Olly Morgan, Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Andy Farrell, Danny Grewcock and Magnus Lund all emerged unscathed ahead of the England squad assembling at their Bath University training base.

Flanker Joe Worsley was due to have started in Wasps 26-18 victory over Sale Sharks, although he ended up on bench duty and did not feature.

Worsley missed Englands win against Italy because of a neck injury, but he dismissed any fears about his fitness.

He said: I havent been able to do any contact work all week, so that is why I didnt start. I fancied a few minutes, but Ive burnt myself in the past after being injured, so it was better to rest.

I would probably have rather got on for 20 minutes, but Im pleased with the work Ive done afterwards, added Worsley, following a 30-minute training session after the game.

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson missed Newcastles agonising 22-21 defeat at Bristol due to what the Falcons had termed bumps, bruises and strains, yet rugby director John Fletcher has no doubt about his prospects for Dublin.

Fletcher said: Jonny is fine. He will be fine for England, so everyone can rest easy.

He came back to us from two massive Test matches, and your body is going to be a bit sore after that, but he will be fine.

England replacement backs Toby Flood and Mathew Tait delivered outstanding displays for Newcastle - Flood kicked 11 points and Tait scored a try - but both players were powerless to prevent a painful finale from Falcons perspective when referee Andy Small awarded Bristol an 80th-minute penalty try that substitute fly-half Jason Strange converted.