ENGLAND RELY ON ‘FORTRESS’

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.”