IF THE level of excitement and expectation off the pitch is reflected in the Irish team's approach to this afternoon's game, the visitors are in for a very warm reception indeed. I cannot recall such a level of excitement in recent years.

It is strange to think how desperate everything seemed after the games against Western Samoa and Italy. There were, certainly, signs of greater commitment against France, when we were ahead going into the last 20 minutes, but it was, of course, the defeat of Wales and, above all, the first-half performance in that match (after conceding an early try) which has generated the current level of expectation.

We should not get carried away, however, and lose sight of reality. I have no doubt that the Irish management will be reemphasising to the players that they are the "under-dogs."

We are playing a team who could claim a place in the first division of international sides if such a division existed. There are, however, a number of factors which will bridge the gap between the teams. Not least is the fact that the match is being played at Lansdowne Road.

Then there is the obvious feel-good factor among the Irish players after the Welsh match and the realisation that, if they win today, they will have gone a long way towards winning the Triple Crown with the match against Scotland in Edinburgh to come.

What a prospect that is when one recalls events of December and January. Furthermore, and this is not least, there is the presence in the Irish camp of Brian Ashton who knows most of the English players as well as their own coach and whose presence will undoubtedly cause a certain amount of unease among his fellow countrymen, not least their captain, Philip de Glanville, whom Ashton has coached for many years.

In fact the battle between the coaches is one of the most intriguing aspects of the game. Apparently the English coach, Jack Rowell, wanted Ashton to help him with the English side earlier in the season but these plans were thwarted when the Irish management approached Ashton.

The Irish coach is probably in an easier position to predict the game-plan of his English counterpart because of his familiarity with Rowell and his players. On the other hand, while the England coach may know a lot about Ashton, he will be, slightly unsure as to how his former colleague will use the players at his disposal.

The English will undoubtedly expect the traditional fire and fury of Irish teams at Lansdowne Road but it is quite clear that they are also expecting a few surprises from the new Irish coach.

The dilemma facing Rowell is whether or not to move the ball wide at the start and in doing so risk being knocked backwards or whether they should try physically to subdue the Irish team by using their huge pack to work the ball down the touchlines. This is far less risky as a policy but it takes a lot more physical effort and a lot more patience to produce results.

All the indications from the past are that England will opt for the latter tactic but their last 20 minutes against Scotland and the temptation to surprise Ireland, may very well see them trying to move the ball wide at the start.

Late in the second half against Scotland, the statistics showed that England had won loo per cent of their own line-outs which is an extraordinary achievement even under the modern laws. The message is clear to Ireland. We must not kick to touch if at all possible.

In this respect we did superbly in the first half against Wales when their full-back and wingers were forced to turn on numerous occasions and tap the ball into touch under pressure, giving Ireland the throw. I would be concerned if we allowed England to get line-outs near our goal-line, as they are particularly good at scoring from that position.

The English out-half, Paul Grayson, strikes me as a player who can blow hot and cold. I'm sure he will get plenty of attention early on and, if he can be upset, the English machine may not run smoothly. Looking at the packs and the back rows in particular, I have no doubt that we will continue to play a rucking game to which we are afar better suited physically and mentally. We should endeavour to avoid running at the larger England forwards close to the rucks and mauls and, instead, try to send our runners wide at their out-half and midfield.

We will have to ensure that, when we kick the ball, that we chase in numbers and that our tackling is effective, because the English full-back, Tim Stimpson, is a strong counter-attacker whose physique allows him to break half-hearted tackles - and the English do have great pace on the wings. I am not convinced, however, about Tony Underwood's ability to deal with the high ball and I suspect that he will be given a few "testers" early on.

At the start of the season there was general concern about the ability of the Irish backs to score tries. However, our backs are now strong in this area and I have no doubt that Ashton will be trying to create space for them.

To sum up, it will probably come down to the last 20 minutes, as it did in the French, match. By now, however, I suspect the players will have learned to cope with the pressure of a tight situation and, if our concentration remains intact, an upset could be on the cards. It will require an enormous effort. The level of optimism that exists must, in itself, be a source of great pride and satisfaction to the team and the management.