Fireworks only from the stars

England will take the Six Nations back to basics at Twickenham tomorrow with no pre-match fireworks or frills before the Ireland game, officials confirmed today.

Clive Woodward was furious that Scotland had 300 pipers and highland dancers before England's last game at Murrayfield.

But Twickenham officials said they would continue with a low-key pre-match routine for the Six Nations, with a single marching band and none of the pyrotechnics used at autumn internationals.

Nor will the World Cup be on show - it will be visiting three Nottinghamshire clubs as part of its "Sweet Chariots" tour.

The only psychological boost Woodward has requested is for England supporters to wear as many white shirts and hats as possible to counter the wave of Irish green.

A Rugby Football Union spokesman said: "There was a policy taken the season before last that the Six Nations matches would be traditional in terms of pre-match entertainment."