Brian O'Driscoll will use the memory of previous defeats to try to inspire Ireland in their quest to end world champions England's formidable home record during today's Six Nations match here at Twickenham.
England, bidding for back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams, have not lost in 22 home Tests stretching back to the 1999 World Cup.
By contrast, Ireland's last win on English soil was a 13-12 victory in 1994 and their recent visits have seen them thrashed 45-11 in 2002 and 50-18 in 2000.
But Ireland captain O'Driscoll, whose midfield confrontation with Jason Robinson (a room-mate on the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia) promises to be one of the highlights of the match, vowed his team would not be intimidated by Twickenham.
"We know what it's like to go over there and be on the receiving end of a big whipping. We will use that to our favour and hopefully it will benefit us," said the 25-year-old Leinster star.
"Some guys will be going out there for the first time but those that have played at Twickenham previously and lost by 45 or 50 points will know what a nasty feeling it is. They'll do their best to ensure that it doesn't happen again.
"It's a great opportunity for us, the pressure is on them [England]."
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan surprised many when he dropped Kevin Maggs in favour of Gordon D'Arcy as O'Driscoll's center partner. But the new midfield combination were in superb form during Ireland's 36-15 win over Wales two weeks ago.
Injury to World Cup-winning center Mike Tindall has forced England coach Sir Clive Woodward to re-jig his midfield with elusive runner Robinson moved from full-back alongside creative passer Will Greenwood.
But neither center-pairing will be able to impose themselves on the game if their respective forwards cannot secure good quality ball.
And the lineout promises to be a fascinating battle. England are without injured second-row Danny Grewcock, his place as Ben Kay's fellow lock taken by Bath lineout specialist Steve Borthwick.
They will be up against Paul O'Connell and Malcolm O'Kelly (back for the injured Donncha O'Callaghan) no mean lineout performers themselves.
England, meanwhile, have yet to hit top form this season despite 50-9 and 35-13 defeats of Italy and Scotland respectively.
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