Tindall facing anxious wait for Irish decider

Tindal injured his ankle in the 22-16 victory over Scotland and was replaced at half-time.

The Gloucester centre lifted the Calcutta Cup but then left Twickenham in a protective boot to undergo X-rays.

If Tindall is ruled out, Nick Easter would be the leading candidate to captain England.

Flanker Tom Croft believes manager Martin Johnson’s grand slam pedigree will be “absolutely huge” in Dublin.

Johnson captained England to their last Six Nations clean sweep in 2003, sealed by a thumping victory at the old Lansdowne Road.

But that England team only hit the heights in 2003 after experiencing the pain of three previous failed grand slam attempts.

Croft says there is no better man than Johnson for England to have in the trenches this week to ensure their preparations are perfect.

“It will be an emotionally-charged day in Ireland. We know it is a grand slam game but we have got to keep our heads and not get over-excited. Martin Johnson’s experience will be absolutely huge,” said Croft.