It’s not often that while preparing for one of the biggest games of your career you find your father plotting against you.

It sounds like a Game of Thrones-style betrayal usually saved for the silver screen but that’s the situation Owen Farrell finds himself in on Saturday as dad, Andy, prepares Ireland’s defence to stop England completing back-to-back Grand Slams.

England travel to Dublin having already wrapped up the Six Nations title following their demolition of Scotland last weekend while Ireland – the only team other than the Scots who could still stop them – we soundly beaten by a galvanised Wales the night before.

Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four Show all 15 1 /15 Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) The man of the series from four years ago powers his way back into the side at the expense of Stuart Hogg for the first time this championship. The Scotland full-back was unable to show his best as a concussion forced him off the field after 17 minutes against England, but Halfpenny was at his best to help guide Wales to victory against Ireland on Friday, setting up George North for his first try and landing three out of four kicks at goal. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 14. George North (Wales) Speaking of North, the towering wing returned to form to bag two tries against Ireland and inspire Wales back to victory. His exploits Down Under were well-documented in 2013, and he is the one wing that the British Isles can boast who is undoubtedly more physical that what New Zealand have to offer. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 13. Jonathan Joseph (England) Three tries from the Bath outside centre puts him back into Warren Gatland’s thoughts, and if he can produce the type of performance that he did against Scotland on a regular basis, he’d be one of the first names on the team sheet. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 12. Owen Farrell (England) Put his blip against Italy behind him to return to his meticulous ways against Scotland, converting 11 out of 12 kicks and unlocking the flowing potential outside him to help Joseph and Anthony Watson to tries. A dependable pair of hands who also adds cover to the fly-half position and takes the pressure off the 10. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 11. Liam Williams (Wales) Having shown his attacking potential over the first three rounds of the Six Nations, it was his defensive qualities that shone through in the win over Ireland. Negated the threat of Keith Earls and ensured that Wales’s try line remained intact come full-time. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) Even in defeat, Sexton was able to prove his worth to Ireland’s cause, given that Ireland conceded 10 points without him. He sparked the side back into life, giving them a sense of direction and the creativity in attack that will test the All Blacks through a variety of back-line move and enormous up-and-under kicks that gives the likes of North and Williams the chance to compete for the high ball. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 9. Rhys Webb (Wales) It was the Welshman who came out on top in the battle of the Lions hopefuls, given that Conor Murray saw his match ended prematurely through an arm injury. Webb didn’t have it all his way, but his pass to Halfpenny that set-up North’s try was sublime and he also spotted the gap to send the win over for his second. He’s quickly becoming the most attacking scrum-half in the world. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 1. Mako Vunipola (England) Another solid appearance under his belt, Vunipola is regaining his full fitness week by week and helped England keep their foot on the gas when he came on for Joe Marler on Saturday. He offers skills in the loose that no other prop in the northern hemisphere can do, and for that he needs to start against the All Blacks if the Lions are to find ways of breaking down their defence. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 2. Ken Owens (Wales) Has gone under the radar somewhat, but while questions remain over Dylan Hartley’s form and Rory Best’s decision making, Owens is simply doing the basics well. His lineout throwing is first class, and with plenty of his jumping options in the pack, it makes sense for him to start the first Test. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) With Dan Cole continuing to push his claims, Furlong is under pressure to retain the shirt and just about held onto it this weekend despite an underwhelming performance in the scrum battle, where Ireland did not hold the advantage that many thought they would. Needs a big performance against England to convince Gatland’s he’s his go-to tighthead. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 4. Joe Launchbury (England) His excellent championship continued with a brilliant display against Scotland both with and without the ball. Is building the perfect case of why seizing your opportunity is so important, and is now well in the Lions reckoning. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) Back in the side after an impressive showing, both in the second row and as Wales captain. He got all the important decisions right, and looked like the man who skippered the Lions to victory in that crucial third Test against Australia. He was a nuisance in the lineout for Ireland and destructive in defence. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 6. Sam Warburton (Wales) A dominant display put the Irish back-row in the shade in Cardiff as the 2013 tour captain proved why he is a must for the Test side, and put Maro Itoje’s starting spot in major doubt in the process. He could yet end up captaining the Test side once again if Gatland decides he’s rediscovered his best form. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 7. Justin Tipuric (Wales) The most natural openside that is certain to be in the squad, Tipuric offers a physical presence over the breakdown, a turn of pace rarely seen in forwards and an alternative lineout option. Getty Lions starting XV - Six Nations round four 8. Billy Vunipola (England) The younger of the Vunipola brothers made his return on Saturday and immediately proved why he is being put on a world class level. He scored a try within minutes of coming on and went about imposing himself on the Scottish defensive line. It was good to see him back and in plenty of time to prove his fitness for the Lions tour. Getty

Former dual-code international Andy has been in his son’s corner more than most fathers throughout their child’s career, having served as England’s defence coach under Stuart Lancaster and fulfilled the same role for Warren Gatland’s successful 2013 Lions tour.

He will fill the same job for this year’s tour of New Zealand, where he will likely be back on Owen’s side again, but for now the pair find themselves in an unusual position – not that it has fazed the England centre.

“I wouldn’t say I’m coming up against him – I don’t think he’s playing is he? I don’t think that’ll come into it,” the younger Farrell said.

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“It’s not like he’s playing the game, there’s only one of us playing in it and he’s obviously got a coaching role. I think the only person it will affect is my mum, not us. She just wants everyone to do well.”

So is she gunning for a draw? “3-0 England, I think,” joked Farrell.

After being sacked from England following the resignation of Lancaster and the subsequent appointment of Eddie Jones, Farrell senior joined Ireland as defence coach following the completion of last year’s Six Nations.

But their relationship in the build-up to Saturday’s curtain closer isn’t something the Saracens man is concentrating on and rejected suggestions either man is giving the other insight.

“These are things that haven’t even entered my head,” he insisted. “We speak to each other what I would say is the normal amount. I don’t really know, it’s just normal, as any family would.

“We chat a bit of rugby. I don’t know if you’re trying to say I’ve given him insight or he’s given me insight but we have general chat as families would.”

But will dad have a tougher defence prepare for him? “I guess we’ll see. Ireland are a good team so I’m sure it’ll be a tough challenge.”

Farrell's partnership with Ford has been one of the key reasons for England's success (Getty)

Farrell faced a race against time to be fit for the win over Scotland after picking up a knock to his a thigh in training which prevented any kicking practice prior to the day of the game.

The 25-year-old was restricted to visualising techniques but was sublime in linking up with fly-half George Ford to release Jonathan Joseph, with the pair having a hand in all three of his tries.

Ford spoke after the game of how much easier it makes his job by having another playmaker in the side as it gives England another set of eyes, and Farrell admitted the pair are always in conversation about tactics.

“We talk all the time,” he said. “Just little bits.

“If something pops into our heads we make sure we get it out there and make sure we’re both on the same page. I can’t really put a time limit on it for you, it’s just normal chatting really.

England vs Scotland player ratings Show all 30 1 /30 England vs Scotland player ratings England vs Scotland player ratings ENGLAND: 15-Mike Brown Busy game, his best for a while, not least for his left-footed kicking option. Equalled Matt Perry’s record as most-capped England full-back (36). 7/10 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 14-Anthony-Watson Frustrating day at the office. Did little wrong but not as involved as he should be. Still learning the Chris Ashton-style tracking skills. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 13-Jonathan Joseph Wonderful early try when he came short off Ford and jinked past Hogg for his fourth try of the tournament. Looked a class act once again. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 12-Luther Burrell Failed to trust his left-hand pass in first minute, butchering a try. Not hitting the heights of last year but offers a physical threat. AP England vs Scotland player ratings 11-Jack Nowell Relished the open spaces with ball in hand but blew a try and got sucked in too easily defensively. Still a work in progress at this level. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 10-George Ford Threatened Scotland throughout with his delayed passes on the gain-line. Ghosted through for valuable try soon after the break. 8 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 9-Ben-Youngs Improvement from Dublin. Took more responsibility and varied his game well around fringes. Holding off Wigglesworth’s challenge. 8 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 1-Joe Marler Penalised more than once at the scrum but, after 10 successive starts, has plenty of credit in the bank. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 2-Dylan Hartley His lineout arrows were slightly off. He remains under fierce pressure for the No 2 shirt from Tom Youngs. 5 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 3-Dan Cole Lucky to avoid yellow card for his goal-line lunge at the ruck. His discipline was a bit loose but put in good shift at the scrum. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 4 -Dave Atwood The Bath man is always a force in the maul and scrum but still needs to do bit more around the park. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 5-Courtney Lawes Big impact on his first appearance since the autumn. Prominent in lineout and put constant pressure on the Scots, as Russell can testify. 8 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 6-James Haskell Questionable whether he is doing enough to fend off Wood’s challenge for the No 6 shirt. His forward pass denied Brown a second-half try. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 7-Chris Robshaw As consistent as ever. Stuart Lancaster’s fear must be whether the skipper can keep going at full throttle until the World Cup is done. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 8-Billy Vunipola Scotland kept him under wraps pretty well. Like Robshaw, no doubting his engine. His power from standing start is wondrous at times. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings SCOTLAND: 15-Stuart Hogg Saved Scotland three times with his last-ditch tackles on Burrell and Brown during the early English siege. 8 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 14-Dougie Fife Will be pleased with his efforts after coming in for Sean Lamont. Did not look out of place and made crucial try-saving tackle on Nowell. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 13-Mark Bennett Looks set for a long spell in the No 13 shirt. The Glasgow centre took his try well and shows terrific composure for a 22-year-old. 8 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 12-Matt Scott Flew out the line to provide Joseph with his fifth-minute try. First Test start for a year and looked like it. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 11-Tommy Seymour Forced to switch from right to left wing and coped efficiently. Honours even with his battle with Watson. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 10-Finn Russell Good touches though did not enjoy the close attentions of Lawes and Co. But Scots must keep the faith - he can get a back-line moving. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 9-Greig Laidlaw Raised the tempo when called for. The experienced No 9 is a vital presence in such a young back-line. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 1-Alasdair Dickinson Tends to fade in later part of the match but his lineout work is as good as at any time in his career. 5 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 2-Ross Ford Tends to fade in later part of the match but his lineout work is as good as at any time in his career. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 3-Euan Murray Equalled Allan Jacobsen’s caps record for a Scottish prop (65). The former Lion still has plenty to offer, in the set piece at least. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 4-Jim Hamilton Brought in by Vern Cotter for his physicality and strength in the maul and he didn’t let his coach down. Is a more disciplined player these days. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 5-Jonny Gray Scotland’s captain-in-waiting according to some. A menace in the lineout and shows maturity beyond his years – he was 21. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 6-Robert Harley Possibly shaded the battle of the blind-sides. Likes to annoy opponents and generally succeeds. 6 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 7-Blair Cowan Earning an unwanted reputation for conceding penalties, but he remains a key cog in this side. One of the best turnover merchants around. 7 Getty Images England vs Scotland player ratings 8-David Denton Gave Scotland a good ball-carrying outlet and more bulk in the tight exchanges. Decent performance before giving way to Beattie. 6 Getty Images

“To score three first-half tries [against Scotland] – that doesn’t normally happen too much so I guess the execution was good. We were happy with that. But there’s still a fair bit to learn from this game and stuff for us to get better at.”

England announced their 25-man squad on Tuesday evening ahead of the game against Ireland, with Elliot Daly retained despite still feeling the effects of the tip tackle by Scotland hooker Fraser Brown.

Daly has so far passed all the concussion return to play protocols but must still get through two more stages, including Thursday’s full contact training session.

England 25-man squad:

Forwards - D Cole (Leicester Tigers), J George (Saracens), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), J Haskell (Wasps), N Hughes (Wasps), M Itoje (Saracens), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), J Marler (Harlequins), K Sinckler (Harlequins), T Taylor (Wasps), B Vunipola (Saracens), M Vunipola (Saracens), T Wood (Northampton Saints).