IRELAND are just one win away from completing the Six Nations Grand Slam – but they need to beat fierce rivals England first.
Ireland have only ever completed the Grand Slam three times, the latest coming in 2018.
And they'll be oozing with confidence as they come up against a Red Rose side who recently lost to holders France.
- Kick-off time: 5pm GMT
- Live stream: ITV X
- TV channel: ITV
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
- Kieran Davies
Chance to make some memories
Ireland go into the final game of the Guinness Six Nations calendar today with their eyes firmly set on a Grand Slam.
Having never won one in front of their own fans, this could be something Irish fans talk about for years to come.
The Aviva Stadium looks tranquil as we edge towards kick-off.
Credit: Sportsfile - Kieran Davies
England replacements:
16. Jack Walker, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Joe Marchant
- Kieran Davies
England starting XV:
15. Freddie Steward, 14. Anthony Watson, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Henry Arundell, 10. Owen Farrell (c), 9. Jack van Poortvliet; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. David Ribbans, 6. Lewis Ludlam, 7. Jack Willis, 8. Alex Dombrandt
- Kieran Davies
Ireland replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Tom O'Toole, 19. Kieran Treadwell, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Jimmy O'Brien
- Kieran Davies
Ireland starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton (c), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Ryan Baird, 5. James Ryan, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris
- Kieran Davies
Welcome to Ireland vs England
Andy Farrell’s side have the chance to clinch a Grand Slam at home for the first time in their history against England, a side who have caused heartbreak for Irish fans over the years.
Johnny Sexton has a new partner in the half-backs today with Jamison Gibson-Park coming into the side ahead of Conor Murray who will have to settle for a place on the bench today.
The injury Garry Ringrose suffered last week means he will miss the game so Robbie Henshaw comes into the centre, while Ryan Baird will come in to replace Henderson in the second row.
Good news for Ireland came in the form of Doris and Sheehan passing fitness tests for this crunch game.
Rob Herring comes into the squad on the bench with Kelleher injured, while Kieran Treadwell and Jimmy O’Brien both come into the matchday squad.
For England, Owen Farrell returns to the starting XV after missing the drubbing by France at Twickenham, with Marcus Smith returning to the bench.
Manu Tuilagi is recalled and will make his first appearance of this year’s tournament at number 12 in place of the injured Ollie Lawrence.
Henry Arundell comes in on the left wing, replacing Max Malins, while Ollie Chessum misses out through injury and is replaced by David Ribbans.
Dan Cole is on the bench today but if he were to come on, he would join Jason Leonard, Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell in the England 100-cap club.
Joe Marchant and Nick Isiekwe come into the matchday squad with Malins dropping out of the squad entirely.
Source: Read Full Article