England v Ireland: Sam Simmonds to start at number eight for hosts

The must-win game for England against Ireland will be played at number eight.

The back row of the Quins had recently returned from Covid-19 isolation, and so Alex Dombrandt was the starter.

Joe Launchbury will make his first England appearance since December 2020 when he replaces Nick Isiekwe on the bench.

Joe Marchant will play in the middle with Henry Slade, while Harry Randall starts at nine.

Jamie George is on the bench while Jamie Blamire is on the hooker.

Tom Curry is included at flanker having completed return-to-play protocols after sustaining a concussion in the victory against Wales.

Both England and Ireland need to win to keep their hopes of a Grand Slam alive.

Captain Johnny Sexton has been restored to an experienced Ireland line-up.

Eddie Jones says that if England win, they will play for the title in France on the final weekend.

Ireland are the most cohesive side in the world and it will be a good test this weekend.

We are looking forward to going after them in front of the home crowd. It has been great having 82,000 supporters back in for our Six Nations games and it will be a great Test match for them.

Smith, Randall, Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Lawes, Curry are the England players.

Replacements: Blamire, Marler, Stuart, Launchbury, Dombrandt, Youngs and Ford.

• Sexton returns to experienced Ireland side