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Six Nations: Ireland defence coach Les Kiss praises England backs

Image: Jonathan Joseph: Presents attacking threat

Ireland defence coach Les Kiss has been impressed by the 'scary relationship' between England's three-quarters.

Bath's George Ford has thrived since  relieving Owen Farrell of the fly-half shirt and his club-mates Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph were also on the scoresheet during England's opening Six Nations wins over Wales and Italy.

With Ireland preparing to host Stuart Lancaster's side in Dublin on March 1, defensive specialist Kiss admits containing their opponents' natural creativity will be no easy task.

Kiss said: "Our preparation starts with the analysis and that's been pretty scary with what they can do.

"If you look at that scary relationship in midfield with George Ford, and he has a relationship already with Watson and Joseph, those types of combinations seem to be coming through for them nicely.

If you look at that scary relationship in midfield with George Ford, and he has a relationship already with Watson and Joseph, those types of combinations seem to be coming through for them nicely.
Les Kiss on England

'Momentum'

"I think also their back row has been brilliant, James Haskell and Billy Vunipola are big threats and Chris Robshaw is excellent.

"The momentum that they give them is critical for them and they can take the ball deep and still make yards.

"You've got to be really on your game and make sure you do hit and stick in your tackles. You've got to get them to the deck early, make them make decisions about how they load their attack.

"They are loaded across the park and they have got options too. Cipriani comes on late and shows some magic as well. The analysis of it has opened our eyes to the challenge ahead and what it presents.

"With the type of competition this is, it's not going to be over until the last game, no matter what happens in the next match.

"There are more surprises to come, Scotland have more to come, the French can be dangerous still and Wales will keep coming. I don't think the result in the next fortnight will determine the tournament at all."

Having previously dispatched Italy, Ireland battled to an 18-11 victory over France last Saturday.