Cian Healy on red alert for English backlash

Cian Healy has said that the Irish team must be on red alert for an English backlash as they chase a Grand Slam conclusion to their Six Nations tournament in Dublin on Saturday.

The Millennium Trophy – awarded to the winners of this clash since 1988 – has resided in England 20 times compared to 15 in Ireland, but currently there is an undoubted chasm between the sides and an expectant home crowd will want that demonstrated to the maximum at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland enter the game in rude health. They're ranked number one in the world and they’ve chalked up four wins from four in the Six Nations whereas England have lost twice with Steve Borthwick’s side humiliated on home turf last time out as France were 53-10 winners on Saturday.

Healy will not be lulled into a fall sense of security though, and he insists the entire squad will be ready for a potential ambush.

"It’s where we want to be, it’s something we’ve talked about for years, about getting a home one of these [a Grand Slam opportunity]," he told RTÉ Sport.

"It’s not going to be an easy one, it’s going to be a tough game. I think they’re going to come with a serious backlash from the weekend and it’s something that we have to be ready for.

"We also have to stay on drill and look after our ship; fix all our fix-ups and train well this week and really go into the weekend with a bit of zip about of us."

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Healy had an unusual role to play in Sunday’s bruising 22-7 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on