Times columnist Stuart Barnes has put the cat among the pigeons by suggesting England start with nine forwards against Ireland in their Six Nations finale.
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The Irish will be playing for a Grand Slam when they take on England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Super Saturday 18th March. This will be the final match of the 2023 Six Nations Championship.
Former England international Barnes, who was picking his side following the dismal showing against France, has suggested mobile back-row Ben Earl starts in the centres.
Ireland claimed a 32-15 bonus-point victory over England during last year’s Championship.
The two old rivals have contested 139 rugby test matches since their first meeting in 1875. England have won 80 of those matches, whilst Ireland have won 51 matches. There have also been eight drawn matches between the two nations.
Check out Barnes full XV below:
STUART BARNES: ENGLAND XV TO FACE IRELAND
#BACK-THREE:
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Max Malins (Saracens)
11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)
#CENTRES:
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Ben Earl (Saracens)
