Dublin (AFP) – Ireland coach Andy Farrell named an unchanged starting lineup for Sunday’s Six Nations clash with England to the one that impressed in the 24-14 victory over 2019 Grand Slam winners Wales.
Victory for Farrell’s side would seal the Triple Crown and keep them on course for a second Grand Slam in three years — they sealed the 2018 edition by winning at Twickenham.
However, Eddie Jones’ men have soundly beaten them twice since — inflicting a rare home defeat last year and then whipping them in a World Cup warm-up at Twickenham.
Farrell, who was defence coach under Joe Schmidt for those matches, has begun life as head coach with wins over Scotland and then Wales both in Dublin.
The 44-year-old Englishman, who will pit his wits against son and England captain Owen, has been boosted by centre Robbie Henshaw being passed fit after suffering a head injury in the Wales game.
Talismanic fly-half and captain Johnny Sexton will be partnered at half-back by Conor Murray for the 59th time.
Murray had been under pressure for the starting spot but a sparkling performance against Wales has seen him stave off rival John Cooney’s claims for the moment.
That is the case also for Murray’s Munster team-mate in back-row forward Peter O’Mahony.
The 30-year-old had been omitted form the starting side for the Scotland game but came on after five minutes to replace Caelan Doris, who took a knock to the head on his debut.
The highly-rated Doris has returned but only on the replacements bench with O’Mahony’s sterling two performances earning him the starting spot.
Team (15-1)
Jordan Larmour; Andrew Conway, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, Iain Henderson; Tadhg Furlong, Rob Herring, Cian Healy
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Devin Toner, Caelan Doris, John Cooney, Ross Byrne, Keith Earls
Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.