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16th Mar 2017

Eddie Jones recalls absolute beast to England team ahead of Ireland clash

He'll be starting this weekend

Patrick McCarry

Here comes the pain…

Billy Vunipola is back in England’s starting XV and he is coming for Ireland.

The Saracens back-row was on the bench for the 61-21 dismantling of Scotland but has been tossed in right from the start for Saturday’s game against Ireland, in which England will be hoping to clinch the Grand Slam.

Eddie Jones has had few other changes – or reasons to change – a team that is seeking 19 Test wins in a row. Dylan Hartley will captain the side again and the back three of Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson and Mike Brown is a scary prospect.

Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes remain in the second row and Maro Itoje is retained at blindside.

ENGLAND

Mike Brown

Anthony Watson
Jonathan Joseph
Owen Farrell
Elliot Daly

George Ford
Ben Youngs

Joe Marler
Dylan Hartley (captain)
Dan Cole

Joe Launchbury
Courtney Lawes

Maro Itoje
James Haskell
Billy Vunipola

Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler, Tom Wood, Nathan Hughes, Danny Care, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell