Ireland have an impressive sealing opportunity Six Nations campaign with Grand Slam On Saturday – all that stands before them is a struggle England.
With the last remaining English scalps, they have already beaten Wales, France, Italy and Scotland. Steve Borthwick’s team suffered a record defeat against France in the final round and Ireland will lick their lips in the match on St Patrick’s Day weekend.
England’s vice-captain Ellis Genge He said the team will come out fighting to try to stop the party. “What the hell,” said Genge. “It would be great to be Irish and have England come and have a Grand Slam opportunity where they (England) lost 50 points on St Patrick’s Day over the weekend. Literally a day made for them.
“Then we will show up. And we will fight.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
When is the Ireland v England game and what channel is it on?
The match will start at 17:00 on Saturday, March 18. It will be shown on ITV 1 and aired on ITVX.
What’s the news from the team?
Robbie Henshaw made his tournament debut with Garry Ringrose suffering a head injury, while Ireland made three changes to the starting roster. Jamison Gibson-Park becomes the partner of Johnny Sexton, who will break the all-time Six Nations points record as soon as he scores. He is currently on par with Ronan O’Gara with 557 points for the record.
For forwards, Ryan Baird replaces Iain Henderson and Josh van der Flier will play for the 50th time.
England called Manu Tuilagi aside and gave the first start to Henry Arundell on the left, while Anthony Watson lined up on the right. The front row remained the same with vice-captain Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler on the propeller and Jamie George on the hooker.
Ireland v England squads
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Ryan Baird, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Subs: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ross Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien.
England: Freddie Steward; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell; Owen Farrell, Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, Alex Dombrandt.
Successors: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
Odds
Ireland – 1/9
Draw – 40-1
England – 13/2