Six Nations 2018: Sam Simmonds sends big warning to Ireland ahead of Twickenham clash
ENGLAND are circling the wagons around Twickenham ahead of Saturday’s game against Ireland.
Earlier in this championship Eddie Jones spelled out his aspiration that England would operate at a level which rendered every foreign field just another patch of grass.
After the rug was pulled beneath his side’s feet at Murrayfield and the Stade de France, they have narrowed their horizons to Twickenham, where they have won their last 14 matches.
“We don’t lose at Twickenham,” said England back row Sam Simmonds.
“We want to keep our record going and be the dominant force and put our game on this Irish side. We want to win which would prevent their Grand Slam but first and foremost it is about performing well and the result will come on the back of that.
“Everyone knows that it is not easy to win any Test match and playing away is a tough task.
We don’t lose at Twickenham
"The home benefits do help. Playing at Twickenham is a massive occasion - to walk out in front of 80,000 wearing that white shirt gives you that boost and extra confidence that those people are there to support you.
“Hopefully we put on a good performance for the Twickenham crowd.”
Simmonds’ Exeter team-mate Don Armand is in line for his first Twickenham Test appearance having been retained in a 29-man squad shorn of Nick Isiekwe, Alec Hepburn and Henry Slade on Tuesday night.
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The Zimbabwe-born back row, who qualified through an English grandmother, made his debut on last summer’s tour to Argentina.
“It’s an exciting prospect for me,” said Armand.
“It means a lot to a hell of a lot of people. The guys are excited to be back there.”