The last test of the weekend is the most important, as England have a chance to dent Ireland’s title hopes and rekindle their own at Twickenham. Stuart Lancaster likes to refer to his home pitch as a ‘fortress’, though Ireland have paid little attention to the claim, having won three of the last five in London. They will, however, have painful memories of their last visit, suffering a famous pasting in the scrum en route to a comprehensive defeat.
Of course the teams are very different, with a certain record-setting Irish centre conspicuously absent that day. Speaking of Mr. O’Driscoll, he is set to win his 139th international cap, drawing level with George Gregan for the most in international history. His record against England is an impressive 8 wins out of 12 games. There is no greater talisman in rugby, and it might not be a stretch to add in international sport.
Around him Ireland field an identical lineup to the one that embarrassed Wales in Dublin, with the only changes coming on the bench. Dan Tuohy’s broken arm necessitates a recall for Iain Henderson, while Munster back row Jordi Murphy looks set to make his test debut. Donnacha Ryan had been added to the squad during the week but has been deemed short of match fitness having only just returned to Munster colours this past weekend.
England have made one enforced change to the run-on team and another to the bench. With the news that Dan Cole has been ruled out for the season, an SOS has been sent to David Wilson, himself barely fit enough to play, to hold up the right side of the scrum. If he survives a half of test rugby, he will have done well.
On the bench sits George Ford at last. It seems as though he’s been in line for a call up for ages and hard to believe that he’s still shy of his 21st birthday. English fans have greatly anticipated his debut, and will likely have it at some point on Saturday. Lancaster has bided his time before bringing him through, and seems confident enough now that he will succeed. Will we perhaps see Owen Farrell at no12 soon?
This should be a cracking game of rugby. The weather forecast is good, both sides are confident and in decent form, and both have had plenty of time to prepare. There will be no shortage of intensity at any moment and the atmosphere promises to be positively vibrant. If there is a point of weakness in either side to be exploited it has to be England’s scrum.
The absence of Cole means that Henry Thomas will have to play a big part in the game, likely a good portion if not all of the second half. When he does, Ireland will surely look to attack him and in Jack McGrath they have a reserve capable of keeping the pressure on until the final whistle. England will be desperate to avoid the scrum and will look to the lineout for their own edge, but are unlikely to find much of one against Paul O’Connell.
Look for this one to be decided by territory and set piece possession, the areas where Ireland thrived against Wales. England will have done their homework, but the visitors will have a few new tricks and will win the bulk of possession there. Ireland to fend off a late surge by England and win via the boot of Jonny Sexton by 6.
ENGLAND vs IRELAND
Saturday, February 22, 16:00 GMT, London
Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU)
Assistants: Romain Poite (FFR) & Leighton Hodges (WRU)
TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)
