Former number eight Jamie Heaslip insists only serious breaches of discipline could prevent Ireland from winning against Twickenham this weekend.
Andy Farrell's side go into Saturday's match against England as favorites after three big wins.
They have beaten France (38-17), Italy (36-0) and Wales (31-7), and some predict the Red Rose will fall into similar hiding.
That could include Heaslip, who believes the only hope for Steve Borthwick's side is for the Irishman to make a disciplinary mistake.
Red cards and “trick plays”
“I haven't seen what the bookmakers are saying but I think Ireland need to be reduced to 14 or 13 players for England to win and I think England need some trick plays.” he said. BBC Rugby Union Daily Podcast.
In contrast to struggling England, who have yet to really hit their stride under Borthwick, Ireland have had an exceptional run over the past two years.
Farrell's side have bounced back admirably from their World Cup quarter-final defeat and are on track to win their second consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam.
“They only know how to win,” Heaslip said.
“It's a very powerful mindset and it fills them with confidence. It kind of reminds me of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter's New Zealand squad.
“That period from 2007 to the 2015 World Cup, when they were absolutely dominant.
“It creates a bit of a flywheel momentum for them. They don't take anything for granted, that's for sure.
“Andy Farrell doesn't let them take anything for granted. They're not afraid to go out there. [Twickenham] But they need to make sure they understand the history of both countries.
“Farrell is definitely one of the best people to remind them of that.”
Ireland have won four Grand Slam titles in total, the last three coming in 14 years (2009, 2018 and 2023).
2010 clash
Heaslip was part of the 2009 team that ended 61 years of suffering and started against England a year later. It was the last time Ireland visited England as defending Grand Slam champions.
They ultimately won 20-16, ending the Red Rose's Grand Slam and keeping their own title change alive.
“For us, that was a huge deal,” Heaslip said.
“I remember going there in 2008 and having them serve me, especially in the scrum.
“Especially when I was eight years old, it was a nightmare just having this scrum coming back at me all day. They were so physically dominant, I'll never forget that.
“I remember walking in. [in 2010] They think, “We can't let that happen, we can't let them stake their rights on this.''
“We made some plays, not neat tricks, but there were plays and Tommy plays that could have helped expose it.” [breaking through the seam of the line-out to score his try] It encapsulates that. ”
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