By K
February 25 2016

Eddie Jones has named second row Maro Itoje (Saracens) and loose-head prop Joe  Marler (Harlequins) in his starting 15 to face Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 4.50pm, live on ITV).

 

Englands Joe Marler &  Maro Itoje during the training session at Pennyhill Park -  Empics

Marler and Itoje replace Mako Vunipola (Saracens), who moves to the bench, and Joe Launchbury (Wasps), who was deemed unfit to play on Wednesday, in two changes to the 15 that started in the 9-40 victory over Italy in Rome.   Elsewhere Wasps centre Elliot Daly is included as a replacement for the first time. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) also makes the bench having been recalled to the squad.  

England will be looking to do a job on Ireland as they have suffered a number of injuries this Six Nations. However, this should be a far better TEST for England and one I hope they will rise to and win! I am looking forward to seeing tries and I do love the slant Eddie Jones puts on things. He seems to get away with some outrageous comments at times, if this was an English coach talking...... they would be classed as arrogant

 

England head coach Eddie Jones said:  “I have been pleased with the attitude the squad have shown during a comprehensive two weeks of training. Everyone is pushing hard to be in contention so there were some tight calls on selection.

“Joe Marler made a big impact off the bench in Rome and will start at loose-head with Mako Vunipola finishing the game. Joe Launchbury is unlucky to miss out through injury; Maro Itoje is selected as a result and we’re pleased for him.

“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.  

“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.”

 

England: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph (both Bath), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Jack Nowell (Exeter), George Ford (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Dylan Hartley (Northampton - captain), Dan Cole (Leicester), Maro Itoje, George Kruis (both Saracens), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), James Haskell (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens).

Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Alex Goode (all Saracens), Paul Hill, Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Jack Clifford, Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps).

Ireland:  R Kearney (Leinster); A Trimble (Ulster), R Henshaw (Connacht), S McCloskey (Ulster), K Earls (Munster); J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); J McGrath (Leinster), R Best (Ulster, capt), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), D Toner (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), J van der Flier (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster).   

Replacements R Strauss (Leinster), C Healy (Leinster), N White (Connacht), U Dillane (Connacht), R Ruddock (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), I Madigan (Leinster), S Zebo (Munster).