England lock George Kruis admits facing Paul O'Connell was a "distant dream" when he joined the legions of travelling fans watching Ireland's talisman lead the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour.

Six years ago Kruis visited South Africa with a group of friends from Dorking Rugby Club, giving the 19-year-old his first opportunity to watch the player he must try to subdue in Sunday's Six Nations visit to Dublin.

While O'Connell was waging war across three brutal Tests against the Springboks, Kruis weighed just 14 stones five pounds - "less than our backs coach" - and spent a three-month spell at Cape Town club Hamiltons during which he trained as much as he played.

A decade in age and 99 caps may separate the rivals, but a beefed-up Kruis has been building his own reputation since the injury problems that have decimated England's second row resources cleared his path into the Test arena.

"I went to a few games when the Lions were in South Africa and watched Paul O'Connell," Kruis said.

"Playing him was a very distant dream then. I was just joining Saracens and was rather underweight and not the best rugby player.

"I have a huge amount of respect for Paul. At Saracens we have played Munster quite a few times in the pool stages of the Heineken Cup. It's nice to play a guy three or four times, get an understanding of where he is from.

"He is a clear talisman for Irish rugby and internationally he is a huge figure. I try and pride myself on the line-out and he's definitely a leader in that department."

O'Connell may be in the twighlight of his career, but he remains Ireland's heartbeat and will lead their assault when the only remaining unbeaten teams in the Six Nations collide in Dublin.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has worked with O'Connell during the 2009 and 2013 Lions tours, leaving him full of admiration for the 35-year-old.

"Ireland are full of warriors. I've worked with them. Don't start me on O'Connell - I've so much time for the bloke. It was a pleasure to work with him," Rowntree said.

"He's diligent. After training he's asking 'how to do that tackle, show me how you do that'. He's done everything, but he's still pulling players to one side after training.

"Paul has always been a pain to play against. For me he's been a constant driving force in the Ireland team. Having worked with him he will drive standards and drive intensity. I've got so much respect for him.

"People want to play for him. I'm sick of talking about him. He sounds brilliant this man - I'm getting worried talking about him. I've got so much respect for him."

George Kruis says he has 'huge respect' for Paul O'Connell © Getty Images

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