Ronan O'Gara reckons he has taken the captaincy in his stride and is keen to see his side "express themselves" when they take on England in the final game of the Six Nations.

The outhalf will win his 82nd cap in London, his first as captain, but he claims his biggest task will be restraining lock Paul O'Connell, who he says chomping at the bit ahead of his second start of the campaign.

O'Gara is deputising as skipper for Brian O'Driscoll, who is out with a hamstring injury, and insists he has thrived under the extra responsibility.

"I've enjoyed the captaincy and would like to think I've taken it in my stride. It hasn't been difficult," he said. "The challenge for this weekend is to express ourselves. Paul O'Connell is making his second start of this season's Six Nations and it's a case of having to contain his eagerness for battle

"That's great to hear going to Twickenham. We won't lack for motivation.

"But it's not about talk, it's about action on the pitch. We need a big game and it will be about who produces over the 80 minutes."

Ireland, like their opponents, have been the subject of much criticism since their uninspiring World Cup campaign when, unlike England who progressed to the final, they exited at the pool stage.

"We're aware there's a fair bit of negativity around at the moment," he said. "But Eddie and the coaching staff have been incredible in their preparation for the week.

"We're a tight group inside the camp and we're extremely focused on the game tomorrow.

"We view it was a huge opportunity to bring a smile and a bit of pride back into Irish rugby.

"All the boys want to put in a performance for themselves and the management team."

The Munster outhalf's friend and contemporary Jonny Wilkinson was dropped ahead of the game in favour of Wasps playmaker Danny Cipriani.  O'Gara is sure, however, that it will not be the end of the tournament's top points-scorer but admits an admiration for the effervescent young pretender who will make his full Test debut tomorrow.

"I was surprised when Jonny wasn't selected because I'm a massive fan of his and he's someone I admire hugely," said O'Gara. "For me he's been at the top of the game and at the top of the outside-half world.

"But I don't think you've seen the end of Jonny Wilkinson by any means.

"It's a huge opportunity for Danny to stake his claim at international level," he added. "I've been very impressed with Danny. The two Heineken Cup games we played against Wasps were completely different styles.

"We played them away on a soccer style pitch which made for a fast match and I thought Danny had an excellent relationship with Riki Flutey — they seemed to play very well off each other.

"At Thomond Park, where there was a soft pitch and the conditions were difficult, it was hard to establish a platform so he didn't get so much of an opportunity to shine.

"But he's hugely exciting, a wonderful talent and has to be watched. He has electric pace."