England prepared for a fight to the finish at Twickers – Mitchell
JOHN Mitchell insists England must be ready for a fight to the end against Ireland in today’s pivotal Autumn Nations Cup clash at Twickenham (3pm).
Eddie Jones’ men face the first meaningful test of the campaign after brushing aside Italy and Georgia as they target a place in the showpiece event on finals weekend next month.
Three conclusive wins in succession paints a picture of English dominance in meetings between the old rivals, but defence coach Mitchell views history as a false prophet.
“Ireland are a tenacious side and a side that never go away, so you have to fight to the end,” the former All Blacks boss said.
“You have to initiate it, you have to get in first. It doesn’t always fall your way and you have to win the big moments. We expect it to be an excellent game with a whole load of different contests and many individual battles.
“Ultimately the team that’s most cohesive, gets in first and wins those big moments will give themselves the best opportunity.
“The past gives you some information, some of it is relevant, but not a lot of it.
“What’s relevant now is that you have two different teams in a different context and both wanting to win the Autumn Nations Cup.
“It’s the most important game of the year so we want to walk towards whatever is coming and get the right performance.
“We’re looking forward to whatever they chuck at us. We’re ready.”
England have selected their strongest available side, lighting the fuse for a fixture capable of breathing life into a competition that has yet to capture imaginations.
Smarting at the claim made by South Africa’s World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus they are “soft”, Ireland have drawn a line in the sand by picking a pack to trade blows with England.
“They’ve gone for a big back row and a big back five. They obviously want to play a power game and take us on, which is great. We can’t wait,” Mitchell said.
“They’ve selected a big pack. They have a running nine and a 10 who likes to play long side and short side and who has a fairly handy kicking game.
“The wingers of course can penetrate in close.
“They have a number of options so we’re expecting a bit of variety from them, but they’re obviously looking to create a platform and stop our momentum.”