Ireland and England name strong teams for crucial warm-up clash
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 20: George Ford of England kicks up field whilst under pressure from Tadhg Furlong of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on March 20, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland. Sporting stadiums around Ireland remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Niall Carson - Pool/Getty Images)
Ireland and England have both named strong sides in what is set to be the best indicator of the progress they have made in preparation for the World Cup.
However both sides are without their first choice fly-halves, with Jonny Sexton still serving his ban for his behaviour after the European Champions Cup and Owen Farrell’s chances of making the start of the Rugby World Cup up in the air with World Rugby appealing the decision that overturned his red card against Wales.
George Ford replaces Farrell, and England have also been forced to make a change at scrum-half with Ben Youngs coming in for Jack Van Poortvliet, who was ruled out of the World Cup after ankle surgery needed following last week’s win.
The other changes see with Ellis Genge come in at prop for Joe Marler, Anthony Watson replace Henry Arundell on the right wing and Manu Tuilagi make only his second England appearance since this year, the other being at the same venue for the previous game between these two sides.
Steve Borthwick said Owen Farrell would have been at ten for the game had he been more available in the training week, but given the disciplinary process he has been undergoing he is not involved, with Marcus Smith on the bench and Courtney Lawes taking the captaincy.
“In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday’s Test match in Dublin,” Borthwick said.
“However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen’s training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the matchday 23.
“Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in.”
Ireland have made 15 changes from the team that beat Italy in the first warm-up a fortnight ago, but significantly the team shows only four changes from the one that beat England to win the Grand Slam – including Ross Byrne coming in for Sexton.
In the case of Tadgh Beirne coming in for Ryan Baird, it could be argued some changes in fact strengthen the team from that game in March, with Garry Ringrose also present in the place of Robbie Henshaw.
The final change from the previous clash of the two sides has Cian Prendergast making his first start, having previously made two appearances as a sub for his country.
In contrast, Keith Earls could reach his 100th cap from the bench, with Connor Murray another experienced replacement for the world number one team.
IRELAND: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan, O’Mahony, van der Flier, Prendergast.
REPLACEMENTS: Herring, Loughman, Bealham, McCarthy, Doris, Murray, Crowley, Earls.
ENGLAND: Steward; Watson, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Youngs; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Ribbans, Lawes (capt), Earl, B Vunipola.
REPLACEMENTS: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Chessum, Willis, Care, Smith, Lawrence
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