Ireland face England on Saturday, with a big test match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as both sides prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup
Ireland face England at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both sides hoping to record a big win as they make final preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
England’s week has been disrupted by the news surrounding the availability of Owen Farrell, with World Rugby appealing the decision to overturn his dismissal. This left England uncertain of their captain’s availability, meaning that there was a delay on Thursday for England’s team announcement.
George Ford was named from the start by Steve Borthwick in Farrell’s eventual absence, with Manu Tuilagi starting alongside him at inside-centre. Ellis Genge earns his 50th cap in the front row, with Courtney Lawes captaining the side as he starts at blindside flanker and Dave Ribbans partnering Maro Itoje in the second row.
Ireland named a strong team for the test, with James Ryan skippering the side from the second-row in the absence of regular captain Johnny Sexton. Ulster’s Cian Prendergast earns his second cap at number eight, with Caelan Doris named on the bench for Andy Farrell’s side.