England tackle Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham this afternoon hoping to keep the pressure on France heading to Paris on Super Saturday.
Following Les Bleus’ hard-fought 13-9 win over Wales in Cardiff on Friday night, they are now just one win away from a first Grand Slam since 2010.
These two sides have two wins out of three so far, meaning another defeat for either of them would put an end to their hopes of catching France at the top of the standings.
England got their campaign off to the worst possible start with defeat at Murrayfield, but a comfortable win over Italy was followed by victory over Wales at Twickenham, and they have home comforts on their side once again as they welcome Ireland to town.
Andy Farrell’s side were beaten in Paris but have been perfect apart from that, and Eddie Jones claims the visitors are favourites for Saturday’s match.
Here’s all you need to need to do about the match on the penultimate weekend of Six Nations action.
England vs Ireland date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Ireland is set for a 4.45pm GMT kick-off today, Saturday March 12, 2022.
The match will take place at Twickenham Stadium in London.
How to watch England vs Ireland
TV channel: In the UK, England vs Ireland is being broadcast live on ITV, with coverage beginning at 4:15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also check out the action as it unfolds online via the ITV Hub.
Live blog: Standard Sport will also be offering live updates through our dedicated match blog, with Matt Majendie providing updates from Twickenham.
England vs Ireland team news
Sam Simmonds starts at No8 for England, in place of Alex Dombrandt who has been isolating due to a positive Covid-19 test but makes the bench.
“Sam is a powerful ball carrier and an aggressive defender,” Jones said. “The way Ireland attack, he will be important around that 10 area.”
Joe Launchbury is back in the England squad and takes his place among the replacements, while Harry Randall starts again as he continues to keep Ben Youngs out of the side. Tom Curry has completed his return-to-play protocols in a big boost for England.
Key lock Maro Itoje was ill on Thursday night, but England are confident he will still be able to start.
Captain Johnny Sexton returns for Ireland for the trip to Twickenham, one of six changes made by Farrell from the win over Italy.
Andrew Conway, Hugo Keenan and Bundee Aki all start, while Iain Henderson returns from Covid and is one of the replacements.
Cian Healy and James Ryan also come into the pack, while Michael Lowry and Mack Hansen both miss out on the squad entirely.
“We’ve said all along that it will be a squad effort and squad togetherness that gets us through this competition,” Farrell said.
“It as put us in a good position. Some tough decisions to make this week but we feel the balance of the team is a good one.”
England vs Ireland lineups
England XV: Steward; Malins, Marchant, Slade, Nowell; Smith, Randall; Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Lawes (c), Curry, Simmonds.
Replacements: Blamire, Marler, Stuart, Launchbury, Dombrandt, Youngs, Ford, Daly.
Ireland XV: Keenan; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Gibson-Park; Healy, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan; O’Mahony, van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Herring, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Carbery, Henshaw.
England vs Ireland head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the 139th meeting between these two nations. England have won 80 of the previous matches, Ireland have 50 victories and there have been three draws.
Ireland put an end to England’s run of four straight wins over them last year, with a dominant 32-18 victory in the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium.
England vs Ireland prediction
Eddie Jones’ side have got back on track after that opening defeat to Scotland, but they were pushed by Wales at Twickenham and now face the biggest test of their Six Nations campaign to date.
Ireland brushed aside Wales themselves, and enjoyed bright periods in Paris before eventually falling short against a side that have proved too good for everyone so far.
Their record at Twickenham is a poor one in recent years, winning just once since 2010, but Ireland look primed to have a better time of things this weekend in what should be a tight encounter.
Ireland to win, by less than five points
England vs Ireland betting odds
England win: 13/10
Ireland win: 8/11
Draw: 20/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
