Jamie Osborne says Ireland are ‘building something good’ ahead of England clash

By Edward Elliot, Press Association

Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne is relishing the prospect of getting “stuck into” England as the two sides battle to remain in the hunt for Guinness Six Nations glory.

The 24-year-old claimed the opening try in Saturday’s tense 20-13 success over Italy to help Andy Farrell’s team bounce back from a heavy round-one defeat away to reigning champions France.

England were tipped to be the greatest threat to Les Bleus’ hopes of retaining the championship title before suffering a Calcutta Cup upset at the hands of Scotland following a routine win over Wales.

Osborne, who is deputising for the injured Hugo Keenan in the number 15 jersey, is in line to make his third successive Test start on Saturday at Twickenham after returning from a three-month absence due to a shoulder issue.

“It’s hugely exciting – I think any sport, Ireland versus England is a proper game,” he said.

“England at Twickenham, you’ve seen how good they’ve been recently at home.

“They’re a team with very high confidence and we’re probably a team that is starting to build now, so we’re coming into it a little bit differently.

“But I can’t wait to get stuck into them if I am selected. I think we’re building something good here.”

England had won 12 consecutive matches since losing 27-22 in Dublin on the opening weekend of last year’s Six Nations before coming unstuck in a 31-20 defeat at Murrayfield.

Steve Borthwick’s side, who travel to unbeaten title favourites France in round five, remain on a nine-game winning run at home.

Osborne believes Ireland can take encouragement from their narrow victory over Italy after head coach Farrell accused his players of lacking intent during the tournament opener in Paris.

“Andy alluded to the intent factor last week and how it wasn’t really there, and it wasn’t perfect (against Italy),” said Osborne, who injured his shoulder in Ireland’s November win over Japan before making his comeback at Stade de France.

“But I think we brought a lot more intent. We had some very nice passages of play, and it might have been a wide breakdown or the last pass that we’d come undone by.

“I thought it was a lot more positive anyway. There’s a lot to work o,n but I think we can be pleased with the intent part of the game.”