It's an unchanged backline for Ireland. (c) Ken Bohane.
As is the Declan Kidney way, Ireland have gone for consistency with their team selection ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations finale with England. The only change sees Sean O’Brien back in, with Peter O’Mahony making way. After the comprehensive 32-14 win over Scotland last weekend, the Irish management felt no need to make major changes to the match day squad. They’re fully justified after winning with more ease than most of us expected.
The newcomers to the side in Donnacha Ryan, Eoin Reddan and Peter O’Mahony stepped up to the mark as injury replacements. O’Mahony is unlucky to miss out after Sean O’Brien’s recovery from a foot infection. The young Munster back-row showed he is well capable of international rugby with a strong 60 minute display. He will return to the bench frustrated not to be given another start, but with his reputation increased.
Ireland will again look to the likes of Best, Ferris and Kearney to provide leadership with Paul O’Connell missing. It’s going to be a big test in Twickers, no doubt about that. England’s have only conceded 4 tries in their 4 games, but Ireland have the most effective attacking game in the tournament with 13 tries and 112 points. It should be a fascinating match-up.
*Do you agree with the decision to bring O’Brien back in? Do you think O’Mahony should have been given another chance to start? Would you have made any other changes to the team/squad? Comment below with any views or opinions on Saturday’s clash as Twickenham.
Ireland team to face England:
15. Rob Kearney (Leinster)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13. Keith Earls (Munster)
12. Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster)
11. Andrew Trimble (Ulster)
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)
9. Eoin Reddan (Leinster)
1. Cian Healy (Leinster)
2. Rory Best (Ulster, capt.)
3. Mike Ross (Leinster)
4. Donncha O’Callaghan (Munster)
5. Donnacha Ryan (Munster)
6. Stephen Ferris (Ulster)
7. Sean O’Brien (Leinster)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)
Subs:
16. Sean Cronin (Leinster) 17. Tom Court (Ulster) 18. Mike McCarthy (Connacht) 19. Peter O’Mahony (Munster) 20. Tomas O’Leary (Munster) 21.Ronan O’Gara (Munster) 22. Fergus McFadden (Leinster).
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Photo courtesy: Ken Bohane.
The Touchline 
Feel sorry for Ryan, he played a stormer. But maybe he will get on as a high impact sub later in the game and fuck shit up!
You mean O’Mahony? Yeah he’ll def feel hard done by to be dropped, but no surprise to see O’Brien back in really. Hoping to see that late impact from POM alright! Should be a great game anyway!