Johnny Sexton to start Ireland’s Six Nations showdown with England
Andy Farrell’s men must win at Twickenham to keep alive their title hopes.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Captain Johnny Sexton has been restored to Ireland’s starting XV as part of six changes for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with England.
Prop Cian Healy will make his first start of this year’s tournament, in place of the injured Andrew Porter, while Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway, Bundee Aki and James Ryan also return.
Andy Farrell’s men must beat their title rivals at Twickenham to remain in contention for Six Nations glory.
Leinster fly-half Sexton came off the bench during the 57-6 round-three win over Italy after missing the defeat to Grand Slam-chasing France with a minor hamstring issue.
The 36-year-old, who this week signed a contract extension and announced he will retire following next year’s World Cup, regains the number 10 jersey from Joey Carbery to win his 104th cap.
Centre Robbie Henshaw joins Carbery in dropping to the bench, while Michael Lowry, Mack Hansen and Ryan Baird have been omitted from Farrell’s matchday squad
Lock Iain Henderson is back among the replacements after a positive coronavirus test ruled him out against the Italians.
Ireland have lost five of seven away matches under head coach Farrell, including a pair of emphatic Twickenham defeats in 2020.
However, they triumphed in their last meeting with Eddie Jones’ men, finishing last season’s tournament with an impressive 32-18 success in Dublin to condemn their opponents to their worst campaign in Six Nations history.
Returning loosehead Healy will pack down alongside Leinster team-mates Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong on the occasion of his 115th cap, with vice-captain Ryan overcoming an adductor issue to join Tadhg Beirne in the second row.
Caelan Doris has retained the number eight jersey ahead of Jack Conan. He will once again be flanked by Peter O’Mahony at blindside and Josh Van Der Flier at openside.
Skipper Sexton resumes his half-back partnership with provincial team-mate Jamison Gibson-Park, while Aki displaces Henshaw to join Garry Ringrose in midfield.
James Lowe continues on the left flank following his two tries against Italy. International newcomers Lowry – who claimed a debut brace in the Azzurri game – and Hansen make way for full-back Keenan and right wing Conway.
Scrum-half Conor Murray returns to the bench in place of Craig Casey, where he is joined by forwards Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Henderson and Conan, plus Carbery and Henshaw.
Like Casey, Ulster pair Kieran Treadwell and James Hume also drop out of the 23 following cameo appearances last time out.