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Joe Schmidt wary of England’s ‘brutality’ ahead of Six Nations clash

Joe Schmidt and Ireland are chasing a fourth title in six years (Image: Getty)

IRELAND coach Joe Schmidt has warned Ireland must be prepared for England’s brutality when they meet in the opening round of the Six Nations.

The defending champions host England next Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in a game that could be pivotal in determining the destination of the Championship Trophy.

Between them the sides have won the last five titles and while Ireland are favourites, Schmidt was taking nothing for granted.

“We have to be well prepared for the inevitable physical nature of the contest,” said the Ireland boss at this week’s Six Nations launch.

“I think England are going to be very physical, and they have the firepower to do so with the likes of (Billy) Vunipola, (Nathan) Hughes and (Ben) Te’o.

“We need to be ready for the many different ways they can play, but I think above all we need to be ready for their brutality.

“We will look at what we think is the best way to try and approach the game and we will pick our team based on who we think will be most effective against England’s gameplan.”

Ireland secured the Grand Slam art Twickenham last year (Image: Getty)

England will be keen to avenge last year’s final day defeat at Twickenham, which saw Ireland seal the Grand Slam and consigned England to their lowest tournament finish in over 30 years.

Eddie Jones’ side will draw confidence from a successful autumn series in which they beat South Africa, Australia and Japan and lost by a point to New Zealand.

Ireland however enter the clash off the back of a clean sweep in autumn, which included a 16-9 victory over the All Blacks.

Schmidt’s side have also won their last 12 home games, while England have lost on their last two visits to Dublin, including on the final day of their 2017 championship-winning campaign.

However after the side’s differing fortunes last year, Jones reckons the weight of expectation rests on Ireland’s shoulders.

“Ireland have got to carry the weight of pressure,” he told the Guardian.

“I am not too worried about Ireland, to be honest. All we can do is prepare as best we can.

“What people think, whether we are underdogs or favourites, doesn’t affect us.”