They have won every Test match at Twickenham since 1999 and are unlikely to surrender that proud home record against last year’s tournament runners-up, who were blown away the previous time the two sides met at Lansdowne Road.

But although O’Sullivan admits a trip to face the world champions is a fearsome prospect, he believes they are not unbeatable – provided his players stick to the gameplan.

“It’s true that England have not lost at Twickenham since 1999 and they do look very strong at home. But they have to be beaten some time,” said O’Sullivan.

“Playing the world champions in their own back yard is a tall order, especially as this will be their first Test match at home since winning the World Cup. That will add spice to the match.

“And Twickenham hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us for a long time. But every game is winnable and if we do certain things well – like keeping the ball and staying tight in defence – we can do it.”

One area where Ireland are the match of their rivals is in the centres, where Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy have the potential to forge a lethal midfield partnership.

Will Greenwood is a class operator and Jason Robinson one of the most dangerous runners in the game, but the former Great Britain rugby league star is playing out of position and could find himself exposed against the Irish.

O’Sullivan believes the England pair will still threaten despite their lack of bulk, however, and has resisted the temptation to try and overpower Sir Clive Woodward’s midfield with a route one approach.

“The England centre partnership is not as physical as normal when big Mike Tindall is in there. But it’s still a very dangerous unit,” said O’Sullivan.

“We could have looked at capitalising on their size by picking a more physical midfield ourselves, and that would be great for first phase.

“But once first phase is over, the midfield is just a mish-mash of everybody so we’ve gone for two centres who are light on their feet and can distribute the ball.”

Woodward’s decision to axe Andy Gomarsall in favour of Matt Dawson was applauded by O’Sullivan, who rates the Northampton number nine very highly.

“Picking Dawson is a very good selection. He set up the winning drop goal in the World Cup final and he tests defences in every game. He takes the pressure off their midfield and is a very good scrum-half,” he said.