O'Driscoll - key midfield battle with Greenwood.

By Andrew Baldock, PA Sport Rugby Union Correspondent

Brian O'Driscoll v Will Greenwood

The battle for midfield supremacy between Ireland captain O'Driscoll, arguably the best player in the world, and the wonderfully creative Greenwood, will be worth the Lansdowne Road entry fee alone.

O'Driscoll possesses a mesmeric ability to bewilder the opposition through his pace and clever running lines, but Greenwood also has that priceless X-factor about him and can unlock the tightest of defences with a sublime pass or a simple, but devastating, piece of attacking invention.

David Humphreys v Jonny Wilkinson

Fly-half Humphreys has scored 67 of Ireland's 113 championship points this season, and if his forwards can give him a platform, then the 31-year-old Ulsterman will torment England all afternoon. On the negative side, he can be vulnerable under pressure, and England will look to exert plenty of that on him.

Wilkinson though, is on a different level, not only with regard to goalkicking, but also in attack and defence. Averaging more than 15 points a Test during his 42-cap career, he gives England a clear edge in the pivotal number 10 position. Ruthlessly dedicated and the ultimate professional, Wilkinson could command centre stage.

Peter Stringer v Matt Dawson

Munster scrum-half Stringer is a key component of the Irish machine, having struck up a superb understanding with his forwards. He is particularly aggressive and effective around the ruck area, while always looking to release a quality back division. England will need to monitor him closely.

Dawson, who wins his 50th cap on Sunday, gives England considerable snap and urgency, driving momentum into the overall team effort. He was first capped more than seven years ago, but it is doubtful whether he has previously enjoyed such a period of sustained excellence in terms of performance level.

Malcolm O'Kelly v Ben Kay

Leinster lock O'Kelly has played in 38 of Ireland's last 42 Tests, proving himself to be a model of consistency during that time. A quality lineout forward, and a physical handful around the pitch, he was unlucky not to have made more of an impression during the 2001 Lions tour in Australia.

Leicester second-row giant Kay is established among the best poachers of opposition lineout ball in world rugby. He thrives under pressure, and secured a memorable 'steal' in the closing stages when England beat New Zealand at Twickenham last November. Has a crucial role to play on Sunday, when he will relish the occasion.

Anthony Foley v Lawrence Dallaglio

Number eight Foley has missed only one of Ireland's last 35 Tests, and offers an imposing physical presence. Tremendously strong, he also possesses a clever footballer's brain, and has a knack of producing big performances in big games. They do not come much bigger than Sunday's encounter.

Dallaglio has almost returned to his very best as one of the top back-row forwards in the world. Laid low by a serious knee injury after the 2001 Lions tour, he has re-established himself as a destructive international performer, and someone who could have a major say on the outcome of Sunday's showdown.