SIX NATIONS: Paul Sackey has pinpointed Brian O'Driscoll as the man England have to stop if they are to register a first victory at Croke Park this evening (5.30pm).
Martin Johnson’s side go into the RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland looking to build on an encouraging display in defeat by reigning champions Wales two weeks ago.
But they face another stern test at the home of GAA headquaters against the only unbeaten team in the competition.
There were question marks over the form of captain O’Driscoll going into this year’s tournament, but a fine display in Ireland’s opening victory over France provided an emphatic answer.
Wing Sackey said: “He’s a massive talisman for them. He is strong and reads the game well.
“He and Ronan O’Gara work brilliantly together and O’Driscoll always seems to get them out of trouble. If we keep him quiet then we have a chance. We are quietly confident.”
Sackey has never experienced the intimidating atmosphere of Croke Park before. His juices will be flowing to the sound of over 80,000 spectators hoping for a repeat of the 43-13 record defeat of England two years ago.
“The guys who played there (2007) said it was very hostile and an amazing arena to play in,” said Sackey. “We have to quieten the crowd.
“I like being an underdog and going into those environments. It lifts you. It gets your blood boiled. For Wasps, I have been in those sort of environments and it brings you closer together. Makes you want to win more.”
It will be Sackey’s 22nd cap of an England career during which he has scored 11 tries and become their most potent finisher in a back line that burns with pace, though not yet with the creative flair to put it to the best use.
For straight-line speed, however, Sackey is difficult to beat. He credits his sharpness to regular sprint sessions with coach Margot Wells, the wife of former Olympic 100 metre champion Allan.
