Thursday 25 February 2016 19:28, UK
Saracens lock Maro Itoje will make his first start for England after being named in the XV to face Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.
Itoje, one of two changes to the side that started the 40-9 win over Italy two weeks ago, is included after Joe Launchbury was ruled out of the game with a hamstring problem on Wednesday afternoon, just hours after Steve Borthwick had declared the Wasps second row's injury was of "no concern."
Harlequins prop Joe Marler will also start for Eddie Jones' side after impressing as a replacement against Italy, with Mako Vunipola dropping to the bench.
Launchbury's absence saw Courtney Lawes recalled to the squad on Wednesday and he will start on the bench, as will Wasps centre Elliot Daly, who makes a matchday squad for the first time.
Jones said: "I have been pleased with the attitude the squad have shown during a comprehensive two weeks of training. Everyone is pushing hard to be in contention, so there were some tight calls on selection.
"Joe Marler made a big impact off the bench in Rome and will start at loose-head, with Mako Vunipola finishing the game. Joe Launchbury is unlucky to miss out through injury; Maro Itoje is selected as a result and we're pleased for him.
"Elliot Daly has worked hard this week and is now ready for a place in the 23. He can provide cover in several positions in the back line.
"Playing our first game at Twickenham after two away fixtures will be huge for us. We're determined to put in a strong performance against a clever Irish side who are the benchmark of European rugby."
England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Jack Clifford, 21 Danny Care, 22 Elliot Daly, 23 Alex Goode.
