Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris says Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England is the ‘biggest match in the championship’.
Having only made his Six Nations debut three weeks ago, Ferris will be entering un-chartered waters when he faces the English for the very first time at international level.
"It’s a massive game and we need to pull out a massive performance," said Ferris, who has started both his country’s wins so far in this year’s championship.
"There’s just something about playing England. Everybody says it.
"This is my first time playing them at senior level and I really want to get out there and get stuck into these guys.
"It’s the biggest match in the championship. The whole nation is looking on, it doesn’t matter what job they’re in.
"Everyone just stops and flicks on the TV because it’s Ireland v England.”
The 23-year-old’s recent form has propelled him into the Lions limelight, with many onlookers tipping him to secure a place on the plane to South Africa in three months time.
Ferris is not alone in the Ireland when it comes to being talked about handsomely with regard to the summer’s Lions series.
After impressive wins over France and Italy, Ireland appear to be in confident mood, although Ferris insists he and his team-mates won’t be under estimating Martin Johnson’s England this weekend.
"They can’t be underestimated at all,” added Ferris.
”They showed in Wales that they can turn it on when they want to. They can play good rugby.
"Under Johnson they are going to be well drilled. He was a well-drilled player and they’ll be exactly the same. They’ll be dogged and tough to break down.
"We just have to go out and put in our best performance of the championship and try and get a win."
