Mack Hansen says the the ancient rivalry between Ireland and England adds "a bit of fire" to next Saturday's Grand Slam showdown.
Hansen moved to Ireland from Australia in 2021 and has established himself as a firm favourite in Andy Farrell's line-up since making his debut against Wales in the 2022 championship.
His player of the match performance yesterday was his second in a row and the 24-year-old has six tries in 13 caps, including a stunning finish for Ireland's first yesterday.
Hansen spoke recently about the impact the presentation given to the squad by former players Brian O'Driscoll and David Irwin about the history of the team and its place across two jurisdictions on the island made on him.
"It made me realise how [much] bother this country was in at one point and it's amazing to think of one team out of every sport stayed together, which was rugby, and were able to keep going," he said.
Hansen missed last year's win in Twickenham but is almost certain to take his place in the starting team for the weekend's meeting in the Aviva Stadium.
"I don't know if I should say too much. There's a fair bit of hatred, isn't there?" he said after yesterday's 22-7 success over Scotland in Murrayfield.
"It's good, though, because once the game is done they are good lads like everyone else.
"That s**t happened... how long ago now? But it does add a bit of fire to the game. I was unlucky that I didn't get to play last year, so fingers crossed I get to play next Saturday."
Asked about the awareness of the rivalry in Australia, the Canberra native said: "I think everybody hates England in general. It's something I was aware of for sure."
Hansen played in Ireland's final game in last season's Guinness Six Nations championship, which was against Scotland on 19 March.
He recalled some of the outside noise ahead of the game.
"While we were having our captain's meeting last year there was a brawl going on outside the hotel window," he said.
"It was incredibly hard to focus when you could just hear people screaming. Then, you look out and there's an ambulance with some bloke KO'd on the ground.
"[What will it be like this year?] Riots! No, no, no... we have unbelievable fans. It means a lot knowing how much it means to everyone in the stadium.
"The crazier the better. Paddy's Day weekend, the script couldn't have been better for us."
Ireland, going for just a fourth ever Grand Slam, and a first Six Nations championship secured on home soil, welcome an England side who were dismantled by France at home on Saturday, losing by a record 53-10 scoreline.
"I'm so pumped for it," the Connacht back added.
"It’s going to be a great week, one to take in and savour. I’m so excited for it, especially at home on Paddy’s Day. It’s going to be unbelievable.
"The worst thing that could have happened for us was England getting pumped at home.
"You just know they're going to turn around. They're a great side. It didn't go their way against France, they still have unreal players.
"We know they're going to bounce back, we know they're going to bring a lot of energy.
"It'll be a completely different team to last weekend. But we want to play against the best and if they're at their best then it's going to be great, a good match."
Watch highlights of the weekend's Six Nations action on Against the Head on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.
