It’s a third World Cup warm-up clash for Steve Borthwick & Co. this afternoon as the France tournament edges ever closer. A double-header against Wales produced one defeat and then a win back at Twickenham, but England are on the road again and find themselves at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
A thrilling comeback victory on home soil last time out papered over concerning defensive lapses, the type of which Ireland are more than capable of punishing. Borthwick has made six changes, including George Ford coming in at fly-half after Owen Farrell’s now-rescinded red card. Courtney Lawes will wear the captain’s armband. Ellis Genge lined up at loosehead, Ben Youngs is scrum-half, and Manu Tuilagi returns at inside centre.
For Ireland, it’s a very similar team which won the Six Nations in March, beating England to seal the Grand Slam. Coach Andy Farrell has gone for experience after a fringe team beat Italy last time out. A victory today for the visitors would be a huge confidence boost ahead across the Channel. Follow the game LIVE below, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nick Purewal on the ground.
Live updates
HT: Ireland 12-3 England
HT: Sloppy moments from both sides as Ireland take a big lead.
Ireland vs England: TRY FOR IRELAND
38 mins: Thrilling stuff from the home side as Ringrose goes over.
Bryne, though, misses the conversion.
Ireland vs England: Red Rose struggling at breakdown
35 mins: Not playing the ball quickly enough, inviting counter-rucks.
Ireland, however, have had some sloppy moments too.
Ireland vs England: Ford misses penalty
26 mins: He might saved the day last week but Ford with a disappointing penalty miss.
Big let-off for the Irish.
Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium
England are leaking penalties, and dull ones too. David Ribbans is told to stay down by referee Paul Williams, with the lock on the ground in an offside position. So of course he duly stands up and concedes a cheap penalty. Jamie George is giving Williams a bit of a running commentary on all England’s positive disciplinary points, which is always a risky business.
Ireland vs England: Another injury worry
18 mins: Jamie George looks to be carrying a knock…
Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium
Well, Aki only needed eight minutes to get on the scoresheet, with Ireland drawing first blood on the try front, and all too easily. England had started brightly, finally showing some attacking shape. But Ireland hardly had to break sweat to breach England’s defence.
Ireland vs England:TRY!
08 mins: Lovely hands from van der Flier frees Aki to run in the opening try of the game.
Far too easy…
England vs Ireland: PENALTY TO ENGLAND!
04 mins: Ford gets England up and running in Dublin
Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium
: Any player that closes their eyes for the anthems is guaranteed to have a blinder, that’s just the rule. So England had better watch out for Peter O’Mahony and Bundee Aki, who were both suitably pumped up for the pre-match.