Steve Borthwick named his England team to play Ireland today with controversial captain Owen Farrell left out of the squad.
Manu Tuilagi returns to the midfield as one of six changes to the starting line up that beat Wales 19-17 last weekend. Ben Youngs, George Ford, Anthony Watson, Ellis Genge and David Ribbans the other changes. Courtney Lawes will captain the side in his 99th Test match.
Scroll down for the England team to play Ireland.
Borthwick said:
“It is a great challenge against the number one ranked team in the world and we are all excited for this fixture,” said Borthwick. “The game will be excellent preparation for us ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”
“In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday’s Test match in Dublin.
“However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen’s training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the match day 23. Owen will travel to Ireland with our full support.
“Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in.”
How to watch England vs Ireland:
Ireland v England marks the fourth weekend of the Summer Nations series, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The match will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video on Saturday, with coverage starting at 5.10 pm before kick-off at 5.30 pm.
England team to play Ireland:
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 24 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (unattached, 55 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 17 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 58 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 123 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 50 caps)