IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt has been able to name an unchanged starting line-up for this Saturday’s Six Nations trip to face England at Twickenham.
Injury to Dan Tuohy in the comprehensive victory over Wales last time out meant that the replacements bench would always experience some change and Iain Henderson comes in to cover the second row as expected.
The one surprise call is the inclusion of uncapped Leinster back row Jordi Murphy. The 22-year-old could get the opportunity to make his debut in London after being named in the matchday 23 at the expense of Munster openside Tommy O’Donnell.
There had been a minor fear early this week that a stomach bug might keep Brian O’Driscoll out of action.
However, the talismanic centre has apparently shrugged off the illness to take on ‘the Auld Enemy’ for the last time, a match that gives him the chance to overtake Mike Gibson’s record of nine wins for Ireland against England.
Ireland: R Kearney; A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D Toner, P O’Connell (capt.); P O’Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip.Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, I Henderson, J Murphy, I Boss, P Jackson, F McFadden.
