Ireland’s team to face England is every bit as exciting as we hoped

Ireland have named two uncapped players in their starting XV to face England while another fresh face is on the bench.

The headline changes see Stuart McCloskey replacing the injured Jared Payne in midfield. Robbie Henshaw shifts over to No.13 to accommodate the Ulster man. Josh van der Flier is straight in at openside for Sean O'Brien [hamstring tear]. Connacht lock Ultan Dillane is named on the bench. Keith Earls has overcome his concussion worries and returns to the left wing. Andrew Trimble starts on the other wing with Rob Kearney retained at fullback. In the front row, Mike Ross is named tighthead. Jack McGrath holds onto his No.1 jersey while Rory Best starts as hooker. Devin Toner is joined by Donnacha Ryan in the second row. Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton are the half backs, once again. 15. Rob Kearney 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Keith Earls 10. Johnny Sexton 9. Conor Murray 1. Jack McGrath 2. Rory Best 3. Mike Ross 4. Donnacha Ryan 5. Devin Toner 6. CJ Stander 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Jamie Heaslip Replacements: R Strauss, C Healy, White, Dillane, Ruddock, Reddan, Madigan, Zebo. England coach Eddie Jones named his team to play Ireland earlier today. There were two changes from the starting XV that beat Italy in Rome. Maro Itoje replaces the injured Joe Launchbury in the second row while Joe Marler steps back in at loosehead for Mako Vunipola.