EDDIE JONES HAS made two changes to his England team for Saturday’s crucial 6 Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham.
Both switches come in the forwards with Joe Marler coming in at loosehead in place of Mako Vunipola while Maro Itoje replaces Courtney Lawes in the second-row.
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Marler and Itoje were introduced in the second half of England’s win over Italy on Valentine’s Day and impressed and ever since Joe Launchbury was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the highly-rated Itoje has been tipped to make his first start for his country.
Two changes to England side for Ireland clash as highly-rated Maro Itoje is handed first start
EDDIE JONES HAS made two changes to his England team for Saturday’s crucial 6 Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham.
Both switches come in the forwards with Joe Marler coming in at loosehead in place of Mako Vunipola while Maro Itoje replaces Courtney Lawes in the second-row.
Marler and Itoje were introduced in the second half of England’s win over Italy on Valentine’s Day and impressed and ever since Joe Launchbury was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the highly-rated Itoje has been tipped to make his first start for his country.
The 21-year-old slotted in at flanker against the Azzurri though the majority of his playing time with Saracens has come in the second-row.
England (v Ireland)
15.Mike Brown
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
9. Ben Youngs
1. Joe Marler
2. Dylan Hartley (c)
3. Dan Cole
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Kruis
6. Chris Robshaw
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Jamie George
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Paul Hill
19. Courtney Lawes
20. Jack Clifford
21. Danny Care
22. Elliot Daly
23. Alex Goode
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Six Nations Eddie Jones Ireland Joe Marler Maro Itoje Team news England Twickenham