Preview: Ireland v England

 

As the only two teams yet to lose a game in the competition this year, which sets this match up as a potential tournament decider, and England assistant coach Andy Farrell did not play down its significance.

 

“Every game is big in the Six Nations – it’s a fantastic competition. It’s third in the log and we’ve both started reasonably well.

 

“There’s a lot of hype around the game, a lot of tension as well. But these are two teams that are very focussed and it will be a cracker come Sunday.

 

“We know Ireland will be at their best. They have experienced players who will get them to that level," he said.

 

Farrell said that England will need to find the same form that saw them upset Wales in Cardiff in their first game of the tournament.

 

“What we were very good at in Wales was reading the game as we went, feeling the momentum swings and acting on them. 

 

“We kept our composure then and we’ll have to do exactly the same this weekend,” he explained.

 

They will have to do so without the services of injured fullback Mike Brown, which means that Farrell will preside over a new-look back three, but he is convinced both Alex Goode and Jack Nowell are capable of influential performances against Ireland this Sunday.

 

“We’re missing an experienced player in fantastic form who stands up in pressure situations and performs extremely well. With the young backline we’ve got, he has been a massive help for us,” he said.

 

That said, Saracens' Goode is no stranger to the England number 15 shirt having won 16 caps to date, a haul that includes a calm, classy display two years ago as Ireland were ousted 12-6 in Dublin.

 

Meanwhile, in the wake of inspiring Exeter Chiefs to a 32-21 win over Harlequins, Nowell will replace Jonny May to earn a sixth Test appearance.

 

With five previous outings in last season’s Six Nations, Farrell seemed certain the 21 year-old wing’s considerable talents would be on full view in Dublin.

 

“Alex, coming in, is an experienced guy himself who has been waiting for his chance. His form for Saracens in the big games against Munster and Clermont has been exceptional.

 

“He’s super excited. All you ask from a player waiting in the wings is form them to be ready. He certainly is.

 

“Jack was having an awful time with injury six months ago and he’s been biding his time. It’s only the last month or so he’s been able to train properly with us.

 

“Week-in, week-out he has been dangerous in all areas of his game for Exeter. The time is right for him," he added.

 

 

For Ireland: Rob Kearney is one of the best in the world under the high ball, but the pace of the game will be set by the in-form halfback combination of Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray. Sean O'Brien will be uncompromising as ever, and in the set-pieces the experience of Paul O'Connell and Mike Ross will be crucial.

 

For England: Jonathan Joseph has been the success story of this Six Nations for England and will be keen to continue his impressive form while out wide Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell will be a threat if given too much space. Billy Vunipola and captain Chris Robshaw will be abrasive and up front Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley will get in Ireland's faces.

 

Head to head: George Ford is set for a major test at pivot up against Jonathan Sexton and out wide it will be interesting to see how Jack Nowell measures up against Tommy Bowe. The battle between Jamie Heaslip and Billy Vunipola should be intense, as will the duel on the ground between Sean O'Brien and Chris Robshaw. In the line-outs Paul O'Connell will want to outdo George Kruis and at scrum-time Dan Cole and Cian Healy will both need all of their experience. 

2014: England won 13-10, London

2013: England won 12-6, Dublin

2012: England won 30-9, London

2011: England won 20-9 Dublin

2010: Ireland won 20-16, London

2009: Ireland won 14-13, Dublin

2008: England won 33-10, London

2007: Ireland won 43-13, Dublin

2006: Ireland won 28-24, London

2005: Ireland won 19-13, Dublin

2004: Ireland won 19-13, London

 

Prediction: Both teams have been impressive, and with so much riding on this match it could go either way, but home advantage should be enough to earn Ireland a victory by three points.

 

 

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jordi Murphy, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones.

 

 

Date: Sunday, March 1

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)

Expected weather: Overcast and windy, high of 8, 10% chance of rain, 40 kph wind

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Mathieu Raynal (France)

TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)