ENGLAND RELY ON ‘FORTRESS’

England lost in the Six Nations at Twickenham against Wales, 19-12, on February 25, 2012. Since then they are undefeated in the tournament on home soil. England 30 Ireland 9 England 38 Scotland 18 England 23 France 13

England 18 Italy 11

England 13 Ireland 10 England 29 Wales 18

England 47 Italy 17 England 25 Scotland 13 England 55 France 35

England 21 Ireland 10 England 25 Wales 21

England 19 France 16 England 36 Italy 15

England 61 Scotland 21 England 12 Wales 6

P15 W15 D0 L0 PF452 PA233 ENGLAND are banking on their return to Fortress Twickenham saving them from Six Nations humiliation.

Eddie Jones’ team – odds-on favourites only three weeks ago – need to beat Ireland to avoid losing three in a Six Nations campaign for the first time since 2006.

If other results go against them, the two-time defending champions could finish as low as fifth – a depth England have not plumbed since 1983. No wonder they are pinning so much hope on the Twickenham factor repelling Ireland’s Grand Slam assault.

“The big thing for us is we’ve got a 24th man,” said Jones.

“We’ve got a crowd that’s going to support us and, with that, comes a number of advantages.”

England have won 15 Six Nations games in a row at Twickenham, following their last home defeat, to Wales, in February 2012.

And since Jones took charge at the end of

2015, they have won all 14 of their matches on the former cabbage patch.

With a sell-out crowd assured for Ireland’s date with destiny this Paddy’s Day weekend, Sam Simmonds says the backing of the bulk of an 82,000-crowd gives them a timely boost.

“Everyone knows it is not easy to win any Test match and playing away is tough,” said the Exeter back row.

“The home benefits do help. Playing at Twickenham is a massive occasion – to walk out in front of 82,000 gives you that boost and extra confidence that they are there to support you.”

Given the mess England are in at the breakdown, they are going to need all the help they can get to subdue the fighting Irish.

“They’ll be angry with themselves after their last two games,” said Ireland star CJ Stander. “For sure we’re going to be up against 23 angry Englishmen.”