WE SENSE THERE’S DANGER IN THE AIR, WARNS CATT

ENGLAND are braced for an aerial bombardment from Ireland’s Test Lions half- backs when the Six Nations title rivals lock horns at the Aviva Stadium.

Full- back Alex Goode and wingers Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell face a busy afternoon patrolling the wide open spaces of Lansdowne Road to counter the pinpoint kicking of Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton.

It promises to be a key battleground in the seismic showdown between the Six Nations’ only unbeaten teams, with the winners closing in on a precious Grand Slam.

“Conor Murray and Sexton are the in- form nine and 10 in the world at the moment,” said England attacking skills coach Mike Catt.

“They control the game exceptionally well. From that point of view their aerial route with Tommy Bowe, Simon Zebo and Rob Kearney is formidable.

Exciting

“They have a very good kicking game. We have to match them and try to get the better of them in certain aspects of our game.

“It will be a hugely exciting Test match, two positive sides playing some exciting rugby. It should be a great spectacle.

“Ireland have a really good balance to their game and have some dangerous and smart players.”

Ireland have won nine matches on the spin dating back to last year’s 13- 10 defeat at Twickenham and have amassed seven straight victories on home soil.

Jonathan Joseph has emerged as the Six Nations’ outstanding player after engineering three dazzling England tries against Wales and Italy.

But Catt has warned Ireland they target the outside centre at their peril.

“The classic thing is if you try to close one person down, someone else will open it up somewhere else,” said Catt.

“Jonathan has taken his chances when he’s had them. There have only been one or two in a game, but when they have appeared he has taken them.

“The opportunities will arise and I’m sure he will see them and do what’s right.”