Alastair Eykyn
BBC Sport in Dublin

Eddie Jones has described this as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' for his players as they bid for consecutive Grand Slams.

If they find the  clinical fluency that undid the Scots,  then the history books await.

England unleash Billy Vunipola from the start this time, with Anthony Watson forcing his way in on the wing.

The Irish task is that much tougher without the injured Conor Murray, though Jared Payne's inclusion at full-back will bring authority and a defensive calm.

Ireland will look to draw inspiration from the day they shattered  England's Grand Slam dreams in Dublin six years ago.  It will be a thunderous contest.

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland's preparations took a hit earlier this week when scrum-half Conor Murray was ruled out with a shoulder problem.

Connacht's Kieran Marmion - whose only other Test start was against Canada in November - is the man who steps into the fray.

"You lose his calm," said coach Joe Schmidt when reflecting on Murray's absence. 

"He’s a good foil for other players, you lose a defender who is incredibly good at organising other people. His experience will leave a hole for us."

Chris Jones
BBC Radio 5 live rugby reporter in Dublin

A group of England supporters from Dartford - dressed as Mexican wrestlers - have congregated at the Sandymount Hotel next door to the Aviva Stadium.

They have come to Dublin with no hotel or tickets, they are sleeping in a Ford Focus and showering at the local swimming baths. But they said they just have to be here as England try to make history.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

As inside lines on the opposition go, Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell is getting connected than GCHQ.

He was England's defence coach until being discarded in the wake of the 2015 World Cup debacle, he filled the same role with the Lions in 2013, oh, and his son is England's lynchpin centre.

Owen Farrell was typically unruffled when asked about coming up against his father.

“I wouldn’t say I’m coming up against him,” came the reply. “I don’t think he’s playing, is he?” 

A rugby union taster-session scheme that attracted  more than 1,000 new female players  earlier this year is being rolled out to a further 100 clubs in May. 

Watch as participants from England Rugby's January sessions explain what trying out the sport has meant to them. 

If you want to get involved with Warrior Camps, find a participating club near you,  here., external Or check out our BBC Get Inspired guide to rugby union and see what your local club has to offer. 

BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Rex Features

The pre-match press conference barbs have been few, but precise.

Eddie Jones predicted that Ireland will pepper the England back three with high kicks, perhaps in the hope it will lull them into other avenues of attack.

“It will be raining high balls," said the Australian. 

“It will be kick and clap, the fans at the Aviva love that so we know what to expect."

Over in the opposite camp, former Ireland centre Gordon d'Arcy attempted to induce vertigo in the opposition.

"This is a very competent English squad with an enormously powerful and efficient tight five," he wrote. 

"But all players are susceptible to new forms of pressure. The looming record brings this great unknown.”

Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer in Dublin

Image source, PA

"A windy, wet morning in Dublin has given way to a similarly grey afternoon, hangovers from St Patrick's Day merging into fresh starts in the pubs and bars across the city. The England support has travelled in numbers, and after that thumping of Scotland a week ago, with optimism and dreams too."  

Chris Jones
BBC Radio 5 live rugby reporter in Dublin

Been out and about on the streets of Dublin today. First stop was a cup of tea by the canal with former Ireland winger and 5 live pundit Denis Hickie, who said he fears today may be more like 2003 than 2001.

Then a meet up in a city centre establishment with former England winger Ugo Monye - star of the 5 live Rugby Union Weekly podcast - who says there is no reason England shouldn't win, but is worried Ireland may have one big performance in them this Championship.

BBC 5 live have all the build-up and commentary from Dublin live this afternoon. You can listen via the link at the top of this page. 

Image source, Rex Features

Ireland are attempting to fight their way of a less cosy corner of history.

After coming off second best in the white-hot encounter in Cardiff last weekend, defeat today would Joe Schmidt's side pick up a 'triple spoon' of losses to Scotland, Wales and England for the first time in 19 years.

For many people's pre-tournament favourites, for the autumn's All Black slayers, it would be a paltry return.

Stopping the chariot in its tracks this afternooon though would, at least partly, redeem Rory Best and the rest,

Image source, Rex Features

The trophy was tied up last week.

England, title defence complete, are now chasing history.

Victory today will see them become only the seventh team in the tournament's 107-year history to do back-to-back Grand Slams.

It will also propel them to a new top-tier record of 19 successive Test wins.

Image source, getty

And so it comes to this.

Dublin. So often the graveyard of England's Grand Slam dreams.

In eight visits to the city in the Six Nations, England have won only twice.

In 2001 and 2011, as today, they came seeking a clean sweep and were instead swept aside.

These are the afternoons to stress-test Eddie Jones' side's aspirations to greatness.

Kick-off is an hour away.

Image source, Rex Features