Ireland face England in the Six Nations this evening, looking to seal a memorable Grand Slam title.
Andy Farrell’s relentless side have had a perfect tournament up to this point, setting the stage for a title charge with an unforgettable victory over defending champions France at the Aviva Stadium and last weekend’s pulsating defeat of Scotland at Murrayfield that kept the Grand Slam bid firmly on track.
Ireland last achieved the feat five years ago, though this would be the first time they have clinched it in Dublin and would further strengthen their World Cup credentials ahead of the autumn tournament.
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It would be a huge surprise if England were able to produce an upset, having been so heavily beaten by France at Twickenham. That 53-10 humiliation was their heaviest ever defeat at home, and they look set to finish another disappointing tournament in fourth spot.
Ireland vs England date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs England is the final match of the 2023 Six Nations, taking place after Scotland vs Italy and France vs Wales.
The game will kick off at 5pm GMT on Saturday March 18, 2023 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How to watch Ireland vs England
TV channel: In the UK, Ireland vs England being broadcast live on ITV, with coverage beginning at 4:30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the action as it happens live online via the ITVX app or ITV website.
LIVE coverage: Follow the game live via Standard Sport’s dedicated blog, including expert analysis from rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at the Aviva.
Ireland vs England team news
Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson have both been ruled out for Ireland after suffering injuries against Scotland, though there are positives with Caelan Doris and Dan Sheehan passed fit to start.
Sheehan and his replacement Ronan Kelleher were both forced off at Murrayfield, leading to flanker Josh van der Flier throwing at the lineout, but the first-choice hooker is now fit in a big boost. Robbie Henshaw and Ryan Baird come into the side, while Jamison Gibson-Park replaces Conor Murray at scrum-half.
In his last Six Nations match, Johnny Sexton needs only one point to move past Ronan O’Gara and becomes the Six Nations’ all-time record point scorer.
Henry Arundell is in for England to make his full Test debut, replacing Max Malins on the wing.
Captain Owen Farrell is back in the starting lineup at fly-half with Marcus Smith dropping out, while Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade are the preferred pairing at centre with Ollie Lawrence out.
Northampton lock David Ribbans comes in for the injured Ollie Chessum, with Nick Isiekwe and Joe Marchant promoted onto the bench.
Ireland vs England lineups
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Baird, Ryan, O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Herring, Healy, O’Toole, Treadwell, Conan, Murray, R Byrne, O’Brien.
England XV: Steward; Watson, Slade, Tuilagi, Arundell; Farrell (c), Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Ribbans, Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt.
Replacements: Walker, Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Curry, Mitchell, Smith, Marchant.
Ireland vs England head to head (h2h) history and results
Ireland have won the last two matches between the sides, including a 32-15 win at Twickenham 12 months ago, though England have had the better of the head-to-head in the last ten years.
England’s most recent victory in Dublin came in 2019, their first win at the Aviva for six years.
Ireland wins: 51
England wins: 80
Draws: 8
Ireland vs England prediction
The pressure of going for a Grand Slam is surely all that can stop Ireland.
Even when not at their best, in spells against Italy and then in the first 40 minutes at Murrayfield, they have found a way to win, despite key players being injured and setbacks appearing.
Scotland looked to be the biggest remaining obstacle to Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions, but that has been overcome and they now return to Dublin where they have lost just once since the 2019 World Cup.
England will surely improve from the lowest of bars after their dismal display against France, but even a substantial step up is unlikely to be enough against this Irish side.
It is a huge test of character for England against the best team in the world, but the gulf in class and confidence is likely to ensure nothing stops the celebrations in Dublin on Saturday night.
Ireland to win, by 20 points.
Ireland vs England match odds
Ireland to win: 1/10
England to win: 13/2
Draw: 50/1
