Sir Ian McGeechan selects his England XV to face Ireland

Monday, 07 March 2022 at 09:15

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byRugby Rucker

Telegraph columnist and respected rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan took on the task of creating a game plan for England to use in the Six Nations against Ireland.

"It is important England do not panic now, that they do not throw out their game plan just because it has not yet clicked," wrote McGeechan.

"It is fair to say England have not yet hit the heights in this Six Nations. You can see what they are trying to do. They want to accelerate the ball in phase play and get on the front foot.

"They want to play fast, dynamic rugby. Jones is setting up his team to play that way."

SIR IAN MCGEECHAN'S ENGLAND XV

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Jack Nowell

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Joe Marchant
12. Henry Slade

Henry Slade of England kicks the conversion during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith
9. Harry Randall

McGeechan wrote: "I want to see Randall start again against Ireland. Ben Youngs would probably be the safer option but we all know what he can do."

Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW:

1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler

Jamie George of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

SECOND-ROW:

4. Courtney Lawes
5. Maro Itoje

Courtney Lawes, Captain of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

BACK-ROW:

6. Alfie Barbeary
7. Tom Curry
8. Alex Dombrandt

McGeechan wrote: "Dombrandt has been one of the real plus points in England’s campaign so far, but there is so much more he could be doing once the team get used to these new combinations."

Alex Dombrandt of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK