Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is working hard to downplay the significance of Saturday's Croke Park clash with England - but even he knows another victory against the old enemy will be something special. England have tasted defeat to the Irish in four of their last meetings but will be out to avenge their 30 point drubbing on their last visit to Dublin two years ago. They did make some amends with a well deserved Twickenham win last season and O'Driscoll is quick to claim that this is just another game in the search for the Grand Slam. "England are just another team in our way as we look to reach our goal and win the RBS Six Nations championship," a resolute O'Driscoll told Star Sunday. "I am not looking on this as anything other than another game, a crucial game, in a season where we want to prove our worth as an international team of real standing. "A lot was made of the visit of England two years ago and it was a momentous event but I don't think the hype will be as heavy this time, we are unlikely to make as many front page headlines. "What matters to us is the game and winning the game. England at Croke Park will be treated with the same respect and the same preparation as France in Dublin or Italy in Rome. For us it is a means to an end." Irish fans are already talking of a Grand Slam showdown with Six Nations champions Wales in Cardiff on the final day of the season, but Dricco is wary of the expectation now surrounding his team after wins over France and Wales. "Title talk is very premature," claimed O'Driscoll. "We haven't allowed ourselves to get carried away with whatever's being written, whatever's being said. "All we've focused on is who we're playing against this weekend - and that's England. We've refused to talk about any other games, any other outcomes, things that we're not in control of. "We're just continually trying to build our confidence, raise our standards. I suppose that with a new coach coming in with a new backroom team, with new ideas and new systems it's been a learning process for us, so I'd like to think that with each passing game we'll grow and get that bit better."
Comments