England Rugby Rugby Sports

Eddie Jones makes three changes to the starting XV ahead of England vs Ireland on Saturday

Eddie Jones has made a trio changes to the side which started in the 23-19 victory over Wales ahead of what he has described as a ‘semi-final’ against Ireland.

Joe Marchant comes in at outside-centre for Elliot Daly, who drops to the bench whilst Sam Simmonds starts ahead of Alex Dombrandt who scored England’s only try last time out.

The final change sees Saracens’ Jamie George return to the starting line-up as he replaces Luke Cowan-Dickie who has suffered a knee injury which has ruled him out of the tournament.

Saturday could be pivotal for the outcome for the Six Nations , with England knowing victory could set up a potential tournament decider in Paris next weekend.

Their opponents, Ireland, have title ambitions of their own and have been impressive in the tournament so far, beating Wales and Italy and narrowly losing to France in a thriller.

Ireland have restored experienced pair Jonny Sexton and Bundee Aki to the starting lineup, whilst Hugo Keenan and Andrew Conway join James Lowe in the back three.

Kick-off is 16:45 on Saturday and the game is live on ITV.

England Squad to face Ireland :

Backs: Steward; Malins, Marchant, Slade, Nowell; Smith, Randall Forwards: Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Lawes (capt), Curry, Simmonds.

Replacements: Blamire, Marler, Stuart, Launchbury, Dombrandt, Youngs, Ford, Daly.

Ireland Squad to Face England : Backs: Keenan, Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe, Sexton, Gibson Park Forwards: Healy, Sheehan, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan, O’Mahony, Van de Flier, Doris

Replacements: Herring, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Carbery, Henshaw

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