Donncha 'Callaghan insists Ireland will not make the mistake of underestimating an under-fire England at Twickenham.
Second-rower refusing to be fooled by criticism of opponents
Lock Donncha O'Callaghan insists Ireland will not make the mistake of underestimating an under-fire England outfit at Twickenham in Saturday's RBS Six Nations showdown.
Despite an encouragingly opening win over Wales, England came in for some fierce criticism after an uninspiring 17-12 victory over Italy last time out.
Bereft of attacking ideas and flair for most of the encounter, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was forced to shoulder much of the blame as England resorted to a predictable kicking game for long periods.
However, O'Callaghan insists there will be no complacency in the Irish ranks and fully expects England to put on a big showing in front of their own fans.
"We can play England at any sport and everyone watching will want us to beat them. Rugby's no different," he said. "Granted we might know a few of them, but it's still England and a massive game.
"Matches against them have been hugely physical in recent times. From one to eight we know we have to perform.
"They're not one dimensional at all, just look at the quality of the broken-field runners they have. They've been getting an awful time unfairly.
"They have quality players who probably haven't clicked as they would have liked, but when they do they can rip someone apart."
Praise for Borthwick
O'Callaghan also reserved special praise for much-maligned England skipper and fellow second-rower Steve Borthwick, claiming the Saracens lock is now one of the most accomplished line-out performers in the game.
"Steve is an incredible line-out operator," he continued. "He's probably the benchmark on lineouts in terms of contesting and on your own throw. He sets the standard."
O'Callaghan will line up against Martin Johnson's England after spending a month on the sidelines with a medial ligament injury.
Ireland head coach Declan Kidney had no hesitation in throwing him back into action as soon as he was restored to full fitness and O'Callaghan is confident he will cope with the challenge.
"You can look at it two-fold. You can be concerned that you're not match-hardened, but then I've had an incredible three weeks of training," he added.
"I've been through a mini pre-season and have been flailed. It was three weeks of unbelievable conditioning, but then that's not match hardness.
Fit
"It's a trade off between being fresh, fit and match-hardened. But if there's any game you can mentally put yourself to the wheel for then England is definitely it.
"It's been a frustrating time. I was taking every type of herb to speed up the recovery... I'd read about something then throw it in!
"It's tough watching the lads run out on the pitch but it just reinforces how much the Ireland team means to me, it's all that matters.
"I got a week in Lanzarote with Munster. I was boxing at 7am in the morning and swimming at 7pm in the evening. I'm no boxer and no swimmer so I'm glad to be back playing rugby!"
