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Itoje gets first England start

The 21-year-old lock came into the starting XV, having made his debut off the bench in England's 40-9 win over Italy, after Joe Launchbury was ruled out with a hamstring problem.

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Courtney Lawes, who started against Italy with Launchbury on the bench, is now among the replacements after being added to the squad on Wednesday following the Wasps's second row injury.

The only other change to the England side that kicked-off the match in Rome last time out sees Harlequins loosehead prop Joe Marler replace Mako Vunipola.Itoje gets first England start

Itoje impressed against the Azzurri after coming on with a powerful display in the closing 28 minutes that saw England run in several tries against a tiring defence.

On that occasion, he replaced Chris Robshaw at blindside flank but Itoje has spent most of his career at lock – the position where he captained England to victory during the 2014 World Junior Championships.

Behind the scrum, highly-regarded uncapped Wasps centre Elliot Daly is on the bench after concussion ruled out midfield rival Ollie Devoto.

"Elliot Daly has worked hard this week and is now ready for a place in the 23. He can provide cover in several positions in the back line," Jones said.

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"Joe Marler made a big impact off the bench in Rome and will start at loosehead with Mako Vunipola finishing the game," he added.

England have won their first two matches under Jones, beginning with victory away to Scotland, and currently top the Six Nations table on points difference from France, who play Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

Saturday's match against defending Six Nations champions Ireland will be England's first at Twickenham since a 13-33 to by Australia in October saw them become the first host nation to be knocked out of the World Cup at the initial group stage.

Ireland, beset by injuries, have yet to win in this Six Nations after drawing with Wales 16-16 and losing 10-9 to France last time out.

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Nevertheless, the Irish are still set to provide England with their toughest test yet under Jones and the Australian said: "Playing our first game at Twickenham after two away fixtures will be huge for us.

"We're determined to put in a strong performance against a clever Irish side who are the benchmark of European rugby," he added.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is due to name his side later on Thursday.

Itoje gets first England start

Date: Saturday, February 27

Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London

Kick-off: 16.50 (16.50 GMT)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Alexandre Ruiz (France)

TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Agence France-Presse

 

 

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