This is a damage control exercise for a weakened Ireland as England operate on a different level

With five of them in the starting XI, the unenviable task of facing England is all the more difficult.

While we know this seven-man duel was planned before the Six Nations even began, that doesn’t make it any less harrowing to see an exhausted Ireland take on a star-studded England team with their hands tied behind their backs.

Of course, the message within the squad will have been more positive since they first met for a one-day camp last Saturday. However, the reality is that this could be a difficult experience for many players still making their way at international level.

It’s all a matter of sink or swim and Greg McWilliams will be hoping his inexperienced side can withstand the inevitable onslaught that awaits an England side still en route to the tournament.

Considering England have scored 189 points and conceded just 10 in their three games so far, it’s all very ominous for Ireland.

With a full-strength squad for the earlier trip to Toulouse, Ireland felt the full brunt of the widening gap between amateurishness and professionalism as France raged.

“They want to see them develop in areas of the game that we’re putting time and energy into,” McWilliams said of what he wants to see from his side.

“There are a couple of things we’re trying to do defensively that I think will put us in a position. There are a few things we try to do when we have the ball.

“It’s a good test for our group. We will learn a lot about ourselves.

“They hope the players can leave confident and in a position where they are comfortable with the plan.”

England, playing exciting rugby, will emphasize all aspects of Ireland’s game plan and after seeing France ruthlessly destroy Ireland’s set piece they are perfectly capable of causing similar damage.

In this respect, a positive start is crucial. Otherwise, if England get into their groove early, the majority of the expected record crowd will be delighted when the hosts let loose.

The Red Roses have explosive threats across the team. From Sarah Bern at the tighthead to Abbie Ward in the second row to veteran skipper Sarah Hunter at number 8, this is an impressive pack that not many teams can handle, and that’s before you mention their lethal backs.

It is for this reason that Irish strikers will need to use their wits to counter that strength. Although Italy are not at the same level, Ireland showed plenty of nous to tear them apart.

After simplifying the lineout with a throw forward, McWilliams’ side made sure they won their own ball, but England have far smarter jumpers so Ireland might not get away with a similar approach.

Sam Monaghan, Ireland’s standout player of the campaign, is a significant loss with the influential suspension absent through injury.

Aoife McDermott comes on for Monaghan and has big shoes to fill in the engine room alongside captain Nichola Fryday.

Linda Djougang has already proven she can go toe-to-toe with anyone but the impressive loosehead will need help from Neve Jones, who was a revelation on defense, and Christy Haney, who impressed in victory over Italy on her first Test start .

England will come hard in the collapse and while the Irish backline will know that, dealing with the threat is another matter.

Hannah O’Connor and Edel McMahon were outstanding against Italy, while Dorothy Wall is still working back to her best form after an injury break.

It doesn’t help that Wall’s ball control has become so important to Ireland that opposing teams are knocking them out faster than ever. However, the outstanding flanker from Münster has to adapt quickly.

Seven’s signings mean McWilliams will have to name an essentially new-looking back line, though half-backs Kathryn Dane and Nicole Cronin will at least get another chance to mend their budding relationship. Experienced Sene Naoupu is called back to join Enya Breen in midfield.

Eimear Considine, who missed the game against Italy, returns on the wing and has a point to prove. With three first-choice wingers Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Beibhinn Parsons and Lucy Mulhall all in sevens action, it’s up to debutantes Molly Scuffil-McCabe and Aoife Doyle to try to offer the same offensive spark.

That all depends on what happens up front though, because if the Irish pack can’t get a foothold, the back teams will have a hard time getting clean balls.

“There’s tremendous cohesion in any sport,” McWilliams conceded of his redesigned back line.

“Knowing we were going to lose the Sevens players gave us hope that very few of the forwards were leaving.

“It’s important to have a group of forwards and your nine and ten to stay consistent because they’re your drivers – they’re the ones who take you through the field.

“Cohesion is always a concern, you just hope they’ve been given enough training so they can have a bit of rhythm and timing.

“Hopefully after the game we can look back and see small spurts of what we’re looking for, maybe big spurts if things go well.”

Whilst Ireland are without key figures, it offers at least the fringe players a chance to show their belonging on the international stage.

Expectations must be realistic and while surprise is highly unlikely, if Ireland can emerge from this Welford Road clash unscathed it will be a positive in itself.

Not only will England rest tomorrow, but they will be hard pressed not to continue and win the Six Nations plus the World Cup later this year.

Ireland operate on a different level as they try to make life as difficult as possible for England and end on a high note against Scotland next weekend.

Verdict: England