Johnson faces a Rugby Football Union Disciplinary hearing next Thursday after he punched Scottish international hooker Robbie Russell during a Premiership game between Leicester and Saracens last weekend.

And despite England boss Clive Woodward pinning his faith in Johnson for the 22nd time as England skipper, a black cloud inevitably hung over his 65th cap.

England are seeking a 14th successive home win, an impressive sequence stretching back to World Cup ’99.

On top of that, they also knew that a winning margin by 16 points or more would see them take first place above New Zealand in the official Zurich world rugby union rankings.

But Ireland, fresh from a record 54-10 victory over Wales, presented tough opposition, arriving at Twickenham just four months after destroying England’s 2001 Grand Slam dream in Dublin.

Bright sunshine and a perfect playing surface gave both sides an ideal platform to produce possibly one of the great Six Nations matches.