England are hoping to have Tom Curry and Joe Launchbury available for this weekend’s must-win Six Nations showdown against Ireland - who Eddie Jones reckons are the ‘most cohesive’ side in world rugby.
Curry, the openside flanker, had to come off at half-time in the 23-19 victory over Wales last time out having failed a head injury assessment while Launchbury would be a welcome sight in the starting XV.
The second row could end his 15-month exile from Test rugby having last played for England in December 2020.
No 8 Alex Dombrant remains in isolation having contracted Covid-19 while flanker Sam Underhill, the most like-for-like replacement for Sale Sharks’ Curry, was sent back to Bath earlier this week.
Jones earmarked Ireland as favourites for Saturday’s clash, saying: “It’s an important week in the tournament, there are three teams left in the tournament and we’re lucky enough to be one of those three,” said Jones.
“Ireland are favourites for the game, they’ve been in very good form in the autumn, they’re a very settled team, and very well-coached by Andy Farrell.
“And apart from Andrew Porter I think they’ve got everybody available and ready to go.
“They are literally, and I say this without any hesitation, the most cohesive side in the world. The bulk of their team train together for the bulk of the year.
“So they are very well-coordinated in their attack, they are very structured, they’re very sequenced in set plays. And they’re tough around the breakdown.
“So that poses a great challenge for us. But we’re looking forward to the challenge, we’re not intimidated by any team and we’re looking forward to playing against them.”
Lock Iain Henderson is back in Ireland’s squad after a positive Covid-19 Test meant he missed the 57-6 hammering of Italy while prop Jeremy Loughman is in line for his debut.
Jack Carty, Dave Heffernan, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Nick Timoney are all back in the squad but back Jordan Larmour has been released.
When is the England team announced?
Jones will name his starting XV at 12:30pm on Thursday, March 10 after Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his team at 11am on the same day.
When is England vs Ireland?
The match takes place at 4:45pm at Twickenham on Saturday, March 12.
