Steve Borthwick has been forced to leave his regular captain out as Owen Farrell faces an appeal from World Rugby after his red card against Wales was rescinded.Â
Courtney Lawes steps up to captain the side at the Aviva Stadium with George Ford starting at fly-half in Farrell’s absence with Marcus Smith on the bench.Â
Ford makes his first start for England since 2021 after coming on as a replacement in the win over Wales and kicking the winning points.
England XV: Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, David Ribbans, Courtney Lawes (capt), Ben Earl, Billy Vunipola., Ben Youngs, George Ford, Elliot Daly, Manu Tuliagi, Joe Marchant, Anthony Watson, Freddie Steward.
Replacements: Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Ollie Chessum, Jack Willis, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Ollie Lawrence.
Jeremy Loughman has been called up to the squad replacing Dave Kilcoyne who is resting with an injury. Back-rower Jack Conan could also feature after making progress on a foot injury.
Cian Prendergast has been handed his first Ireland start when Andy Farrell named a strong side for this evening’s clash in Dublin. He starts at number eights in a team that includes 11 of the starters that sealed the Grand Slam with victory over Steve Borthwick’s side.
Ireland XV: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan,Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan (capt) Peter O’ Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Jeremy Loughman, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Caelan Doris, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls.
