Tuesday 23 February 2016 09:43, UK
Eddie Jones says England face a "difficult task" against Ireland on Saturday, despite the recent injury woes for Joe Schmidt's side.
The Six Nations holders head to Twickenham without the Leinster trio of Sean O'Brien, Dave Kearney and Mike McCarthy, who all sustained injuries during Ireland's bruising 10-9 defeat to France two weeks ago.
The trio join Ireland's already extensive injury list which includes first-team regulars Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Iain Henderson and Peter O'Mahony.
Schmidt's team have taken just one point from their opening two matches while England have two wins from two, including an impressive 40-9 victory over Italy in Rome.
But Jones believes Ireland are well equipped to cope with injuries, thanks to the centralised contract system used by the IRFU, and is expecting a tough test at the weekend.
"They've been the benchmark of European rugby," Jones said.
"Whilst they've had a few injuries they're a country that has centrally contracted players so it's a big advantage for them. They know the conditions of all the players in Ireland and they can bring them into the squad at any time that they want.
"They'll be well equipped and well coached - very well coached by Joe Schmidt. They'll be a difficult task for us on Saturday.
"Schmidt has certainly brought a lot more kicking into their game, they kick 60 to 70 per cent of their possession away. There's going to be a lot of ball in the air, it's our job to make sure we defuse those kicks and turn that into good possession for us."
Luther Burrell replaces Ollie Devoto in England's squad after the Bath back suffered concussion on Saturday.
Burrell failed to make Stuart Lancaster's final World Cup squad and had seemingly been overlooked by Jones for this year's Six Nations.
However, Jones says he's been pleased with the centre's performances for Northampton Saints this season.
"I've really been impressed by Luther," said the 56 year-old Australian.
"He had a big disappointment at the World Cup and he didn't play well when I was first picking the squad but since then he's very impressive and looks like he wants to get better every day.
"As an inside centre you've got to run straight, run hard, know when to pass, make your tackles and if you do all those simple things well you're going to have a good game and that's what he has been doing."
