We walked away and gave sigh of relief, says Hape

The former Bradford Bulls star, an ever-present in England’s RBS Six Nations campaign, helped set up that prospect with a determined display in yesterday’s 22-16 triumph over Scotland.

The team performance was far from convincing but, having already overcome Wales, Italy and France, Hape feels the ability to eke out a success in difficult circumstances bodes well for Dublin.

“It was a tough old Test match. Scotland really turned up and it was scrappy but thankfully we got over them,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

“It was one of those games where you walk away at the end and breathe a sigh of relief; you’re just glad you’ve done it.

“But it’s a sign of a great team when things aren’t going your way and you still edge those victories.

“We dug in hard and this team showed its character.

“Thankfully, Crofty (Tom Croft) came on, a big forward who showed us backs how to finish off tries.”

Profligate England engineered some nervous moments for the expectant Red Rose faithful at Twickenham after wasting a series of promising opportunities until the British Lions flanker appeared late on to confirm victory.

Now Hape, who moved to Bath from Odsal three years ago and has signed for London Irish for next season, is relishing the prospect of a historic achievement in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland feel aggrieved their chances of taking the title were ruined by some dubious refereeing decisions against Wales and Hape said: “They probably thought they should have won that match and will be smarting from it.

“When I crossed over from league the dream was to go play for England in these sorts of occasions.

“These moments don’t come along often. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and the last time any England team won a grand slam was 2003.

“We’re looking to go there, just worry about our own performance, let everything else take care of itself and if we do it, we do it.”

Auckland-born Hape, 30, has yet to face the Irish and he added: “There’s just one more game to go now.

“We’ve got a short turnaround and plenty to work on.

“We created chances against Scotland and did a few good things but stuffed it up by throwing the ball away or losing the ruck.

“Hopefully we’ll be a whole lot better next week.”

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson was bitterly disappointed after seeing his side slump to their fourth successive defeat.

He said: “We are really disappointed. There was a huge effort put in by the players. They have put their bodies on the line and it was tremendous the way they went about the game.

“The guys have worked hard and it is important we keep on improving.”