Former England star Ben Kay believes that Steve Borthwick’s side will be relying on the Twickenham crowd this weekend.
The ex-star conceded that Ireland are a formidable force at present, but the home crowd could prove decisive on Saturday.
He told Rugby Pass: “For every problem you solve, however, Ireland always seem to have the tools to find another way. If you spread the defensive line wide, they punch holes up the middle with a forward drive. They’re so tactically smart.
“England just have to be in it with 10-15 minutes to go and the Twickenham crowd – who are not expecting a home win – will play their part. I’d actually worry more if England were leading with 10 to go, because I’m sure not they’d have the belief to be able to close it out as Ireland chased them down. For England to win, they need to be on the shoulder, with the crowd in full voice and willing them over the finish line.”
