Eddie O'Sullivan believes Andy Farrell has already emerged as an England talisman and will help to ease some of the pressure on the returning Jonny Wilkinson, of whom so much is expected.
Former rugby league star Farrell has made an encouraging start to Test rugby, assisting Wilkinson in marshalling England's backline in the RBS 6 Nations victories over Scotland and Italy.
Now, ahead of England's visit, O'Sullivan believes Farrell's presence at insside centre reduces the pressure on Wilkinson but knows he faces his toughest assignment yet when he meets Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy at Croke Park.
He said: "Jonny and Andy are two different players but they both have a lot of gravitas and leadership.
"They've played at the highest level and performed. It's an interesting dynamic between them.
"What's been beneficial for England is that Farrell has emerged as a talisman in the middle of the pitch and taken some responsibility from Wilkinson.
"That eases the burden on Jonny. They've both slotted in at first receiver and Brian Ashton is obviously keen for Farrell to shoulder more responsibility.
"It will be interesting at the very least to see how the midfields do on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it."
O'Driscoll is also relishing the challenge of facing Wilkinson and Farrell. Asked what he thought of Farrell's start in rugby union, the Ireland captain was complimentary, but hinted that he had more to learn yet.
"He's done nothing wrong," said O'Driscoll yesterday. "He's suited the style of play, the way they like playing off second receiver. The way himself and Wilkinson seem to mix things up.
"They're both excellent passers of the ball and it gives them great width. That, along with what has been a pretty strong defensive game and the controlled manner in which he's played.
"He's another one that is going to get better with each game."
Brian Ashton was appointed England's new head coach in December and has overseen a successful start to the Six Nations, lifting the gloom that accompanied the world champions' slump.
O'Sullivan believes Ashton, who had a brief and uncelebrated spell as Ireland boss in 1997, is a canny operator who will get England fired-up for their Croke Park debut.
He said: "You can see Brian Ashton's stamp on the game already. He's trying to get the ball into the outside channels and trying to create quick ruck ball, creating mis-matches.
"He has the right personnel around him. He's smart enough to play the games that suit his players.
"There's always a trade off between the game you want to play and the one you can play.
"The team are fairly comfortable with their game plan and know that if they implement their it properly, they will give us a tough day."
Ireland are still waiting on the fitness of Peter Stringer, who sustained a broken bone in the win over Wales in Cardiff and missed the defeat to France.
O'Driscoll's return comes off the back of a hamstring injury which prevented him from playing in the first match at Croke Park.
There is no place in the squad for Leicester back Geordan Murphy who has lost out to Ulster's Andrew Trimble.
