Murphy and Sexton start for Ireland
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.Geordan Murphy will start Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday, with Jonathan Sexton joining him in the side.
Murphy will make his first international appearance since the final match of last year's championship, when Ireland completed their first Grand Slam for 61 years against Wales.
The 31-year-old, who has been restricted to only three Guinness Premiership appearances for Leicester since dislocating his shoulder last September, replaces the injured Rob Kearney at full-back.
Sexton is preferred ahead of Ronan O'Gara, who drops to the bench following the 33-10 defeat by France, with Tomas O'Leary continuing at scrum-half.
An enforced change sees Rory Best given the hooking duties, with Jerry Flannery suspended for his dangerous lunge on Les Bleus winger Alexis Palisson.
Sean Cronin takes Best's place on a bench that also sees the return of Shane Jennings after the Leinster flanker finished a 12-week ban for eye-gouging.
The fourth and final adjustment to the side thumped by France sees Donncha O'Callaghan displace Leo Cullen, who is included among the substitutes.
O'Callaghan will be making his first appearance of the 2010 Six Nations after being sidelined for a month with a knee injury.
John Hayes will become the first player to win 100 caps for Ireland when he lines up at tighthead prop.
The Six Nations champions are looking to nudge their title bid back on track after falling short at the Stade de France.
Ireland team to play England in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Twickenham on Saturday, February 27 (1600):
G Murphy (Leicester); T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster); J Sexton (Leinster), T O'Leary (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements: S Cronin (Connacht), T Buckley (Munster), L Cullen (Leinster), S Jennings (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), A Trimble (Ulster).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments