Owen Farrell is set to claim the England number 10 shirt from Marcus Smith for their final Six Nations match against Grand Slam-chasing Ireland, with Steve Borthwick also recalling Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade for a trip to Dublin.
- Borthwick has made changes after England’s humiliating defeat to France
- England beat defending champions Ireland in 2019 in Dublin with the same trio
- George Ford is also available for selection after playing 80 minutes for Sal
Owen Farrell is set to claim the England number 10 shirt from Marcus Smith in Dublin as Steve Borthwick prepares to return to the future by fielding the midfield trio who defeated Ireland four years ago.
In 2019, the national team went to the Irish capital in the first round of the Six Nations and beat the reigning Grand Slam champions 32-20, in what was considered one of the best wins of Eddie Jones’ tenure as head coach. .
Now, his successor is ready to redeploy the same 10-12-13 axis that starred in that momentous victory; Captain Farrell, Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade.
Borthwick is due to announce his line-up tomorrow night but, barring a late break, sources have told Mail Online Sport that Farrell will return at flyhalf, after taking a bench role last weekend when Smith used 10 against France.
The captain came on early in the second half of that mismatch at Twickenham but was unable to turn the tide as the title holders posted a record 53-10 victory that shocked English rugby union.
Owen Farrell is set to claim his place at number 10 for England against Ireland this weekend
Manu Tuilagi (left) and Henry Slade (right) will line up alongside Farrell in midfield
Steve Borthwick has returned to the trio that upset Ireland four years ago.
For now, it’s unclear if Smith will stick around as a replacement, as is likely, or if he will sit out completely for Matchday 23 to make way for George Ford, who is now considered available for selection after playing 80 minutes. for sale last weekend.
His return from a serious Achilles tendon injury has created more competition and intrigue regarding playmaker selection. There’s a chance Borthwick will make a late call on his high-back role, with weather a factor to consider.
Tuilagi’s return to midfield is a big change for a veteran who seemed to have little chance of making it in this Six Nations, having been sent off during a Sale match last month for driving his forearm into Tommy’s head. Freeman in Northampton.
Borthwick had already knocked him out of match-day squads in the first two rounds amid an encouraging resurgence in Ollie Lawrence, but the Bath center is out with a hamstring injury, creating a vacancy.
England lacked influence in the clashes against France and Tuilagi is certainly capable of addressing that glaring deficiency in Red Rose’s repertoire. He can also be considered a lucky charm in this upcoming match as he played six times against Ireland and won the lot.
In 2019, their riotous early carries set a thunderous tone and the visitors didn’t look back, with Slade scoring two tries and Farrell kicking 12 points in a famous victory.
England were humiliated by France at Twickenham last weekend as their fight continued.