Tadhg Furlong says Ireland performance more important than ending England's run
Wednesday 15 March 2017 15:21, UK
Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong says ending England's winning streak is not a focus for the team heading into Saturday's Six Nations clash in Dublin.
Eddie Jones' side have already wrapped up the title thanks to their 61-21 demolition of Scotland last Saturday, and they head to Ireland looking for a second successive Grand Slam.
Victory for England would also mean a world record 19th consecutive tier one Test win but Furlong says Ireland's squad is more focused on showing their fans what they are made of at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland's only home game so far in the tournament ended in a 19-9 win over France but defeats in Scotland and, most recently, Wales mean the best they can manage is a second-place finish.
"Within the team, within meetings, it [England's record] hasn't been discussed at all," Furlong said.
"The focus is massively on us and trying to get the most out of the game that we can.
"And I suppose trying to prove to our supporters what it means to us."
Ireland ended New Zealand's winning streak at 18 games in Chicago last November and he expects England to provide them with a similarly tough test.
"They are two quality teams, there probably are subtle differences in the way they play," Furlong added.
"England are right up there with New Zealand at the minute, the way they are playing. I think they are flying, and have deserved to retain the Six Nations.
"So it's going to be a massive test for us no doubt."
