Mike Ross v Joe Marler
NOT THE FIRST time, an awful lot will rest on the shoulders of Mike Ross this afternoon as he once again packs down against England’s most potent weapon, the scrum.
The Leinster tight-head is always mindful of previous battles when his scrum was felled. And despite lasting less than a half of last year’s demoralising Six Nations-ender at Twickenham, he will be eager to atone for the perceived failing of the entire pack.
Head-to-head with the Harlequins number one, Ross’ quest for parity will be aided by Rory Best who (on paper at least) holds an advantage over his opposite number Tom Youngs. However, the overnight rain in Dublin has complicated matters further for the Irish set-piece and the front three must lead in with a sharp early hit to avoid back-peddling fast.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Sean O’Brien v Chris Robshaw
“Where I think the game’s going to be won and lost is at the tackle.” Says England’s World Cup-winning second row, Ben Kay.
Last week, nobody in Europe made as many tackles as Sean O’Brien and his openside credentials will be tested again by the English captain – who will have the advantage of referee Jerome Garces’ ear.
With the ball bound to be slippery, there is an increased importance placed on penalties and it will be down to these to men to create opportunities for their sharp-shooting out-halves.
Gordon D’Arcy v Billy Twelvetrees
The man christened ’36 -’ because of his Leicester team-mate Geordan Murphy’s habit of pronouncing his surname “Twelve-Threes” – has given much giddy excitement to the English rugby-watching public.
A creative, running centre with enough physicality and weight to break through on his own steam. However, last week, the Gloucester centre made his debut against the worst midfield in the competition.
Today, he’s up against the most experienced centre partnership the game has ever known. This game will not define if he is actually a new Mike Catt or another temporary measure, but it could be a quick-sharp reality check that international rugby is an unforgivably tough environment.
If D’Arcy can stay fit enough to win this battle for an hour then in attack England must be content with a 10-man game. The question then will be whether Ireland’s front eight can do enough to give the backs some room.
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Open thread: how do you think Ireland will get on against England today?
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