England coach Eddie Jones has dropped half-backs Danny Care and George Ford for Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Ireland at Twickenham.
Saracens scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth starts in place of Care and will resume his club partnership with Owen Farrell, normally a centre for England but now at fly-half instead of childhood friend Ford.
These were just two of the most eye-catching of several changes made by Jones following England’s 22-16 loss to France in Paris last weekend – a defeat that ended their hopes of a third successive Six Nations title under the Australian coach.
Ben Te’o filled the inside centre position vacated by Farrell and forms a midfield duo with Jonathan Joseph after both men had been competing for the same place for most of this tournament.
Meanwhile wing Elliot Daly was passed fit following a foot problem.
#ENGvIRE | Eddie Jones gives you the lowdown on his England squad to face @IrishRugby on Saturday 🌹
More here: https://t.co/6U0rdDacKZ pic.twitter.com/fXsWoeGLby
Up front, fit-again hooker Dylan Hartley returns as captain after missing the defeat in Paris.
He was one of five changes to England’s pack announced Thursday, with Jones reshaping the back-row following tournament-ending injuries to Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes.
Their places were taken by Sam Simmonds and James Haskell, while prop Kyle Sinckler started in place of Dan Cole.
England are bidding to avoid losing three Tests in a row for the first time under Jones against an Ireland side bidding to win a Grand Slam.
England team:
Anthony Watson, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Ben Te’O, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell, Richard Wigglesworth; Sam Simmonds, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw; George Kruis, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Dylan Hartley (capt), Mako Vunipola
Replacements: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Don Armand), Danny Care George Ford, Mike Brown
