"Big changes" - The England XV Steve Borthwick should name to beat Ireland 

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Scotland, stung by their loss to Italy, responded like a wounded animal. Orchestrated by the mesmeric Finn Russell, they tore into England with precision and ruthlessness. It was smart, sharp, Test rugby played at tempo. England, by contrast, were reactive, second best in the collisions, and unable to stem the tide.

Now comes Ireland. A different challenge. A different pressure. And if England are to respond, Steve Borthwick must be brave.

Here’s the side that gives them their best chance.

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It’s been a mixed couple of weeks, but he remains England’s best loosehead. Against Ireland’s abrasive pack you don’t experiment. You back the Baby Rhino to rediscover his edge.

Reliable at the lineout and a genuine leader. Luke Cowan-Dickie is more explosive, more chaotic — and therefore more effective as a bench option if the game needs shifting.

He’s done nothing wrong and deserves continuity. Still ahead in the pecking order and building nicely at this level.

Not at his best against Scotland, which is understandable given off-field circumstances. But big players respond in big games. If he’s ready, he starts.

England’s best forward right now. Carries hard, defends relentlessly, and brings a level of consistency others have struggled to find.

One bad afternoon doesn’t justify a drop. He’s dynamic and disruptive — two traits England need in Dublin.

Sam Underhill was hooked at half-time against Scotland. The debate is Curry or youth, but experience wins here. Curry brings snarl, breakdown menace and big-game know-how.

Up there with Chessum as England’s most reliable performer. Carries, tackles, competes — and does it repeatedly.

Outstanding player. Sharp service, tempo control and defensive bite. England function better when he’s dictating.

One poor performance doesn’t erase months of strong game management. He deserves the chance to bounce back — and England need his composure against Ireland’s defensive pressure.

Had a tough time at Murrayfield but remains a powerful option. Back him to respond.

England lacked punch in the midfield. Lawrence fixes that. Direct, abrasive and capable of bending the gain line.

An outstanding talent who has done little wrong. Brings pace, footwork and defensive intelligence.

The bold call. Not even in the current squad — but he should be. Genuine pace changes how defences behave. With Arundell facing disciplinary issues, Radwan offers a point of difference.

George Furbank pushes him close, but coming into a Test match on the back of an injury lay-off is tough. Steward’s aerial dominance and defensive positioning still matter in tight contests.

Marcus Smith must be in the 23 ahead of Fin Smith. England need versatility. The idea that Fin covers 12 at this level is optimistic at best. He may well be the better long-term fly-half, but in a high-pressure Test, does anyone truly see George Ford being hooked early?

England need a finisher who can cover multiple roles, inject tempo and threaten broken-field play.

Pollock also has to be in the mix on the bench. He brings raw energy, fearlessness and that point-of-difference dynamism in the back row. Against Ireland, when the tempo lifts in the final quarter, that kind of impact can tilt momentum.

At scrum-half, I would also look at Jack van Poortvliet or Harry Randall instead of Ben Spencer. Both are more like-for-like deputies for Alex Mitchell — snappy pass, quick tempo, instinctive support lines. When Mitchell comes off, England shouldn’t have to adjust their entire attacking rhythm. Continuity at nine matters in games of this magnitude.

Ireland won’t roll over. They’re structured, clinical and ruthless in key moments. But if England are going to respond, it won’t come through caution. It will come through edge, clarity — and a willingness to make the tough calls.