Horan wary of England backlash

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Ireland lead the RBS 6 Nations after two matches, separated from Wales by points difference with the rivals destined to meet in a possible winner-takes-all finale at the Millennium Stadium on March 21.

He said: "They were written off but our front row was written off against Italy. There was a lack of respect during the week. I don't know whether it came from the press or the team, but I've had it all my career and try to use it in a positive manner. That sort of negativity rises teams, it's a red rag to a bull and that's the way I see the criticism affecting England."

Recent form suggested England's visit to Dublin a week on Saturday would be a formality but the shoots of recovery were evident during their valiant defeat by Wales.

Horan was present when England were thumped 43-13 at Croke Park two years ago but he expects the smarting World Cup finalists to be a different proposition this time.

"England are a good side, have always been. Their game against Wales was a very exciting match, free-flowing. It's always a huge challenge against England," he added.

The bulldozing Munster prop is part of a heavily-maligned Irish front row that yet again answered their own critics in Sunday's 38-9 win over Italy and he knows the value of being written off.

He added: "I wasn't surprised at how well they performed against Wales. The Six Nations always throws up that intensity."