England vs Ireland’s Autumn Nations Cup preview – Eddie Jones’ side are looking to continue their good run of form

England face Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday at 3pm in Group A of the Autumn Nations Cup.

Eddie Jones’ side will be coming into this game on the back of a comprehensive 40-0 victory over Georgia last weekend. 

Despite having not lost since the return of International rugby union, Jones knows this’ll be a much tougher test for the Red and Whites. 

“I’ve picked the strongest team possible for the most important game of our season,” Jones said. 

“We have the highest respect for Ireland and their coach Andy Farrell. They’ve had good preparation with two wins and a dominant display over Wales,” he added.

The squad will be boosted by the return of George Ford, who will be on their bench, after being side-lined due to an Achilles injury. He’ll surely add to England’s attacking power if he features. 

The 60-year-old head coach has named Tom Curry and Sam Underhill as his flankers. These two were the go-to pair in England’s impressive World Cup run that saw them finish runners-up to South Africa last year in Japan.

Elsewhere, props Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler come back into the starting XV with Maro Itoje going into the second row. 

Jamie George keeps his spot after becoming the first hooker to score a hat-trick for England in their win over Georgia. 

Ireland, now led by former England coach Andy Farrell, will also be confident Saturday as they beat Wales 32-9 in the other group A game. 

However, they will be without captain Johnny Sexton, who is injured, with fly-half Ross Byrne taking his spot.

Farrell will be hoping to nullify England’s captain and his own son, Owen Farrell, as he’ll be looking to dictate the tempo.

Farrell has made four changes for this game with centre Bundee Aki replacing the injured Robbie Henshaw, winger Keith Earls coming in for Andrew Conway and flanker CJ Stander starting ahead of Josh van der Flier.

England have won the previous three meetings by at least 12 points but Saturday is set to be a tight affair with both teams hoping to top group A. 

Line-ups

England: Daly; Joseph, Lawrence, Slade, May; Farrell (capt), Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Launchbury; Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Dunn, Genge, Stuart, Hill, Earl, Robson, Ford, Malins.

Ireland: Keenan; Earls, Farrell, Aki, Lowe; R Byrne, Gibson-Park; Healy, Kelleher, Porter; Roux, Ryan (capt); Stander, O’Mahony, Doris.

Replacements: Herring, E Byrne, Bealham, Henderson, Connors, Murray, B Burns, Stockdale.