By Mark Orlovac

Ellis is one of the three survivors from the side that lost to Ireland in 2006

England scrum-half Harry Ellis is relishing the prospect of locking horns again with Ireland's Peter Stringer.

The last time the pair met saw Ellis's Leicester record an historic win over Stringer's Munster in the Heineken Cup.

"Peter is very experienced and has a great partnership with Ronan O'Gara; it is one of the best partnerships in world rugby," Ellis told BBC Sport.

"He is a threatening number nine, very talented and skilful. I am just really looking forward to the challenge."

Despite being part of the first side to win at Thomond Park in the Heineken Cup, Ellis believes Ireland's Munster connection will be vital to their chances this weekend.

"Partnerships are key," Ellis added. "Stringer and O'Gara are experienced together but it is not just them - you also have Denis Leamy at number eight.

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"That 8-9-10 combination have played a lot together but we have to meet that head on.

"I have played against Peter Stringer a number of times, and I am sure it will be a good competition between us."

The 24-year-old has regained the England number nine jersey after losing it to both Shaun Perry and Peter Richards for the autumn internationals.

And although he has made an encouraging start to the campaign, which included a fine display against Scotland, Ellis says he is not getting carried away.

"I always work as hard as I can through the week," he said. "And I always analyse my performance and try and improve.

"To be honest I don't pay much attention to the media - I just get my head down and get on with things.

"From my perspective, I am a number of games more experienced now than when I was first involved with the England team, and that is key."