Brunel’s side was brimming with optimism after seeing off France in Rome to kick off their campaign but they have since failed to reach those heights, going down to defeats against Scotland and Wales.

England, on the other hand, have continued their pursuit of the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in clinical fashion and last time out it was Tuilagi’s try that sealed victory over France.

To combat England’s threat, Brunel has made seven changes to his starting line-up, welcoming back captain Sergio Parisse and recalling Alberto de Marchi, Quintin Geldenhuys, Joshua Furno, Robert Barbieri, Luciano Orquera and Gonzalo Garcia.

And Brunel is only too aware of the damage that England and Tuilagi are capable of causing.

Asked if he had a plan in mind to stop Tuilagi, he responded: “Yes (we have), we won't let him out on the pitch, in fact we'll lock the changing rooms.

“Seriously, though, no-one has yet stopped him, he's very good in one-on-ones.

“Even Mathieu Bastareaud, who's very powerful, had troubles. We have to work as a team and double up on him sometimes when we need to. We need to defend as a team.

“But we can't look to just stop Tuilagi, England have many other possibilities. The other centre, (Brad) Barritt plays an even bigger role in their penetration.

“If we’re not at the top of our game physically, if we don't have the desire to face up to the English, it'll be tough and we could concede a lot of points.”