Ireland vs England line-ups: team news ahead of the Six Nations game

Ireland have an opportunity to seal an impressive Six Nations campaign with a Grand Slam on Saturday – all that stands in their way is a struggling England.

They have already beaten Wales, France, Italy and Scotland with the English scalp, which is the last one standing. Steve Borthwick’s side suffered a record defeat by France in the last round and Ireland will be licking their lips in the St Patrick’s Day weekend game.

England vice-captain Ellis Genge has said the team will struggle to try and stop the party. “What an occasion,” said Genge. “It would be amazing to be Irish and have England and have a Grand Slam opportunity if they do [England] lost 50 points over the weekend, St. Patrick’s Day. A day that is literally made for her.

“So we’re going to show up. And we will fight.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the fortification.

When is Ireland vs England and what TV channel is it on?

The game will kick off at 17:00 BST on Saturday 18 March. It will be shown on ITV 1 and streamed on ITVX.

What’s new from the team?

Ireland have made three changes to their starting squad as Robbie Henshaw is making his debut in the tournament as Garry Ringrose is out with a head injury. Jamison Gibson-Park joins partner Johnny Sexton, who will break the all-time Six Nations scoring record the moment he scores. With 557 points, he is currently level with Ronan O’Gara.

Ryan Baird comes on for Iain Henderson for forward and Josh van der Flier will be playing his 50th cap.

England bring Manu Tuilagi aside and hand Henry Arundell a first start on the left wing, while Anthony Watson competes on the right wing. The front row remains unchanged, with vice-captains Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler at the prop and Jamie George at the hooker.

Ireland v England lineups

Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Ryan Baird, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Substitutes: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ross Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien.

England: Freddie Steward; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell; Owen Farrell, Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, and Alex Dombrandt.

Substitutes: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.

opportunities

Ireland – 1/9

Tie – 40-1

England – 13/2