After Ireland's win against Italy, the road to Paris continues for Andy Farrell as England arrive in to town for their penultimate Rugby World Cup warm-up game. It'll be ride or die time for much of the squad as they try to book their spot on the plane to France in what should be a bruising game between two rugby giants. The ongoing controversy about Owen Farrell's tackle against Wales has cast a shadow over Ireland v England. We have all the info on how to watch Ireland v England here, as well as match info and team news
When is Ireland v England?
Ireland are set to welcome England to the Aviva Stadium this Saturday the 12th of August at 17:30.
How to watch Ireland v England
Ireland v England will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 for Irish viewers and Amazon Prime for UK viewers.
18 March 2023; James Ryan of Ireland is tackled by David Ribbans, left, and Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Ireland v England Form Guide
Ireland v England should be an intriguing affair. Not only are Ireland clear favourites for Saturday's encounter, but they're the in-form team by a country mile as well. Currently ranked number one in the world Andy Farrell's side are the current Six Nations Grand Slam champions. However, the Six Nations is a thing of the past now and all eyes are on the upcoming Rugby World Cup in September.
While it's been plain sailing for Ireland so far, the same can't be said for our neighbours across the Irish Sea who are desperately trying to find their lost form. England went away to Wales for their first World Cup warm-up game and lost 20-9. Last Saturday, the two teams met again in Twickenham and England managed to win a dour game. Still they look very much a work in progress,
While Saturday's game may be of little consequence in the bigger picture of things, Ireland will be keen to maintain their formidable unbeaten record in the Aviva Stadium, while plenty of players will undoubtedly be putting their bodies on the line to try gain a seat on the plane to Paris in what should be a cracker of a game.
Team News
Andy Farrell named his Ireland team for the game against England on Thursday afternoon, ringing the changes from the win over Italy and naming an all but first choice XV. James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen have all been recalled in the backline having not featured against the Italians.
Ross Byrne will partner Jamison Gibson-Park at halfback, with James Ryan captaining the side from the second row. The most eye-catching inclusion comes at no. 8, where Connacht's Cian Prendergast will play from the start.
Keith Earls has been included on the bench, with the Munster man expected to earn his 100th cap on Saturday evening.
You can see the matchday squad in full below.
Ireland have named their team to take on England on Saturday evening, with Connacht's Cian Prendergast given a big opportunity to impress at no. 8 ☘️
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EqS8sfijkU— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) August 17, 2023
On Tuesday, Steve Borthwick received some unexpected news that captain Owen Farrell will be available for selection after having his red card from Saturday's game against Wales rescinded.
However, the England captain has not been selected for the game and is not part of the matchday squad. George Ford will start at out-half, while Courtney Lawes captains the team in the back row.
Here's your England team to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm) @o2 | #WearTheRose | #IREvENG | #SummerNationsSeries
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 17, 2023
On Thursday, Ireland coach Andy Farrell called the furore around his son's possible suspension 'disgusting'
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