Both England and Ireland prepare for the Six Nations encounter at a packed Croke Park for what promises to be a bruising encounter

England fly-half Toby Flood wrestles opposite number Ronan O'Gara to the ground during a very scrappy opening to the clash

Joe Worsley brings down Ireland centre Paddy Wallace as both teams struggle to break through stubborn defences

Paul O'Connell breaks the gainline with some rampaging runs but Ireland fail to take advantage of occasional gaps in the defensive line

Flood slots over a penalty for England on the stroke of half-time to cancel out Ronan O'Gara's earlier three points

Paul Sackey is shackled by Ireland's Luke Fitzgerald as either side fail to provide any meaningful entertainment in a turgid opening half

The inspirational Brian O'Driscoll pings over a drop-goal to break the deadlock and give Ireland a 6-3 lead just after the break

O'Driscoll extends the lead for the men in green as he burrows through the England defence to score the opening try of the match

Irish relief is evident following O'Driscoll's try that gives his side an eight-point cushion over Martin Johnson's side

England substitute Matthew Tait makes a break but is eventually hauled back as England search for their opening try

Poor discipline haunts Martin Johnson yet again as two yellow cards prove costly in the 14-13 defeat despite Delon Armitage's late try