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London Calling

How to win at Twickenham in six simple steps

You’re welcome, Joe Schmidt.

ENGLAND AT TWICKENHAM. It’s a fixture that holds no much meaning, so much history and, for most of the past 100 years, so much fear.

The past decade, however, has changed that outlook from these shores. The RFU HQ now looked upon as a venue that Ireland can and should be winning matches at.

So, here are a few helpful hints as to how these famous victories are achieved.

1. Psyche out the mascot

Are we really above a little revenge for Martin Johnson and red carpet-gate?

Pete Cross is the man who waves the St George’s flag over the teams as they emerge from the tunnel. We can’t help but think if somebody like, say, Cian Healy were to accidentally nudge him off balance as he ran by, would it put England off their stride?

Rugby Union - International Friendly - France v England - Stade Velodrome EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

2. Get in Owen Farrell’s ear

He might not miss any kicks, but he’s a gas man when he’s annoyed.

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3. ‘No scrum, no win’

…as the French say the English say. Last time out in Twickenham, we certainly had trouble scrummaging… and winning.

scrum 1

4. Raise the spirit of Big Mal

You Shall Not Pass!

Mark Regan 6/3/2004 ©INPHO ©INPHO

5. Target them out wide

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We’ve had A LOT of joy in the corners of Twickenham.

Conor Ryan

6. Don’t panic, just keep within a score

bowe try

Even the All Blacks couldn’t muster a big comeback once the chariot began to swing really, really low. But if you keep the game tight, they have shown plenty of weakness late on in big games.

Ireland's Shane Horgan scores the winning try ©INPHO / Morgan Treacy ©INPHO / Morgan Treacy / Morgan Treacy

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