Image source, Getty Images
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Guinness Six Nations: England v Ireland |
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place: Twickenham, London date: Saturday 9 March Starting: 16:45 GMT |
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coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and online; Follow the live text on the BBC Sport website and app; Watch on ITV1 |
Exeter Chiefs winger Emmanuel Faye-Waboso will make his England debut against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday at Twickenham.
Scrum-half Danny Kerr is set to win his 100th game off the bench, with Alex Mitchell returning to the starting line-up.
Fly-half George Ford retains his place in the starting XV ahead of Marcus Smith, who was named from the substitutes.
The 25-year-old Harlequins fly-half was in line to play a leading role in the Six Nations but suffered a calf injury in training ahead of the opener against Italy at the start of February and is yet to feature.
Lock George Martin is the third and final change for Steve Borthwick's side as he comes in for Ethan Roots, with Ollie Chessum shifting to the blindside.
Alex Dombrandt, Harlequin's number eight, was named on the bench in his first appearance under Borthwick since missing out on the World Cup squad.
George Furbank was also retained at full-back after his surprise joining Murrayfield ahead of regular starter Freddie Steward.
Ireland are bidding to become the first team to win six consecutive Grand Slam titles, and have only lost once in their last 21 matches.
“Ireland are without a doubt one of the best teams in the world right now, and we have to be at our best against them on Saturday,” Borthwick said.
“We have prepared well for what will be another Six Nations classic at Twickenham.”
However, his impactful performance against Scotland was one of the few bright moments for Borthwick's side, who have struggled in attack.
Northampton Saints' Mitchell has been ruled out of the Calcutta Cup loss with a knee injury, but is considered fit enough to start after fears he could miss the rest of the Six Nations.
After winning their first two matches, England's Six Nations campaign was derailed by Scotland. Tough challenges remain in Ireland and France, but a win at Twickenham would keep their title hopes alive.
Sponsorship aims to win “to remember forever”
Kerr made his international debut in 2008 against New Zealand and scored 15 tries for England, his last coming in the winning match against Samoa in the World Cup.
The 37-year-old, who spent a large part of his international career behind Ben Youngs, who retired from England duty, won the Six Nations three times in 2011, 2016 and 2017.
If Harlequin comes off the bench, he will become the sixth Englishman to reach the milestone after Youngs, Jason Leonard, Owen Farrell, Dan Cole and Courtney Laws.
England coach Borthwick added: “Danny is a fantastic player and someone who always puts the team first. I'm sure Saturday will be an emotional and unforgettable day for Danny and his family, and the team couldn't be prouder of his achievement.” .
Ireland are unbeaten in 11 consecutive Six Nations matches having not lost since defeat to France in February 2022.
“You never know which game is going to be the last, so I'm going to enjoy it and enjoy it,” Kerr told Rugby Union Daily.
“There is a big performance coming and you can feel it and we know we will have to deliver on Saturday.
“Imagine how great it would be if we got a win and a proper result, something I can remember forever when we broke Ireland's streak in the Six Nations.”
England: Forbank. Vey Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Ford Mitchell. Genge, George (Captain), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chisum, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dunn, Marler, Stuart, Cunningham South, Dombrandt, Kerr, M Smith, Daly.
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