Schmidt Wary of England Test

Ireland coach, Joe Schmidt, has admitted he is looking to prepare his side for an England team that could well prove to be the Irish's toughest challenge in this year's Six Nations.

Ireland have notched up two victories from their opening two games of this tournament, against Scotland and then Wales, opening the door for Schmidt's side to win their first Triple Crown since 2009 and cause a surprise among those who bet on rugby.

With trips to London and Paris still yet to come for Ireland, there is still a long way to go for Schmidt's side in their bid for the grand slam.

Despite England suffering defeat to France in their opening match before beating Scotland, Schmidt has admitted he feels Stuart Lancaster's men will prove to be Ireland's toughest test left in this year's Six Nations despite Ireland being tipped by the rugby betting ahead of the game.

"So far we've learned that it's always going to be tough, and we've had a little bit of luck go our way too. There are tougher games coming and probably the toughest of all coming next, at Twickenham against England," said Schmidt.

The Ireland squad have been training in Clonmel ahead of their clash against England, although a number of the squad have been released back to their clubs sides for this weekend's fixtures.

Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Martin Moore have established themselves as Ireland's understudy front-row, but that trio will join back up with their Leinster team-mates this weekend before rejoining the Ireland squad ahead of the trip to London.

Eoin Reddan returns for Leinster after injury, boosting Ireland's scrum-half options for the England game, with winger Luke Fitzgerald also back available for selection following his injury.