England head coach Steve Borthwick has made three key changes to the squad following their defeat to Scotland, ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Ireland. Henry Pollock will make his first England start, stepping into the number eight position in a revamped back row.
The back row sees Ben Earl shift to openside flanker, Tom Curry return at blindside, while Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper drop to the bench. Pollock, a 21-year-old British and Irish Lion, has earned seven caps to date—all as a replacement—making this his starting debut.
In the midfield, Borthwick has ended the experiment with Tommy Freeman at outside centre, moving him back to the wing. Ollie Lawrence starts at number 13, marking his first appearance of the Six Nations campaign, alongside Henry Arundell on the left wing. Freeman takes the right wing spot in place of Tom Roebuck.
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Arundell, who avoided suspension after receiving two yellow cards and a send-off during England’s 31-20 loss at Murrayfield, maintains his place despite some defensive concerns, backed by his four tries scored in the opening rounds.
The bench features a balanced mix of six forwards and two backs. Marcus Smith returns as back-up playmaker, replacing Fin Smith. Jack van Poortvliet makes his tournament debut, favored over Ben Spencer as the replacement scrum-half.
Maro Itoje will captain England for the 100th time at Allianz Stadium, a milestone placing him among only nine men to reach this landmark for England. Borthwick praised Itoje’s leadership and professionalism, highlighting the significance of the occasion for the player and the team.
“We’re expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and have selected a side with the balance needed to meet the challenge Ireland will bring,” Borthwick stated.
England team: F Steward (Leicester); T Freeman (Northampton), O Lawrence (Bath), F Dingwall (Northampton), H Arundell (Bath); G Ford (Sale), A Mitchell (Northampton); E Genge (Bristol), L Cowan-Dickie (Sale), J Heyes (Leicester), M Itoje (Saracens, capt), O Chessum (Leicester), T Curry (Sale), B Earl (Saracens), H Pollock (Northampton).
Replacements: J George (Saracens), B Rodd (Sale), T Davison (Northampton), A Coles (Northampton), G Pepper (Bath), S Underhill (Bath), J van Poortvliet (Leicester), M Smith (Harlequins).