Jack Crowley is set to reclaim the starting fly-half position for Ireland as Andy Farrell’s side prepares to face England in a crucial Six Nations clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. The move marks a return to the run-on side for the Munster player, following an impactful appearance off the bench during Ireland’s recent victory over Italy.
Farrell has announced five changes to the starting XV that defeated the Azzurri, signaling a clear intent to strengthen the team for the encounter with Steve Borthwick’s England. While both teams enter the match with a single win from their opening two games, the pressure is mounting on England following a disappointing defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup.
Crowley’s reinstatement comes at the expense of Sam Prendergast, who started in Ireland’s opening loss to France and the subsequent win against Italy. Farrell has opted for the versatility of Ciarán Frawley as the backup fly-half, with Prendergast not included in the matchday squad. This shift in the half-back pairing sees Crowley link up with Jamison Gibson-Park, while Craig Casey will provide cover from the bench.
The changes extend beyond the backline. Tadhg Furlong, a three-time British and Irish Lion, makes a welcome return to the starting lineup at tight-head prop, having recovered from a calf injury sustained against Italy. His experience and physicality will be vital against a determined English pack.
In the back row, captain Caelan Doris will resume his familiar role at number eight, flanked by Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier. This reshuffle sees Jack Conan and Cormac Izuchukwu make way, as Farrell looks to inject further dynamism into the Irish forward play.
A notable tactical adjustment sees Farrell alter the composition of the bench, opting for a 5-3 split favoring forwards. This strategic decision provides greater cover in the pack and reflects the anticipated physicality of the contest. Finlay Bealham, another British and Irish Lion, has been recalled to provide additional tight-head prop cover, joining Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Conan among the forward replacements.
Tommy O’Brien, who was absent from the squad against Italy, returns as a backline option on the bench, alongside Casey, and Frawley. This provides Farrell with a range of tactical options should the need arise during the match.
The selection of Crowley at fly-half is particularly significant. His performance off the bench against Italy demonstrated his ability to control the game and create opportunities, prompting Farrell to hand him the starting role against a formidable opponent. The dynamic between Crowley and Gibson-Park will be a key area to watch, as Ireland seeks to establish dominance in the set-piece and open up the English defense.
Furlong’s return is also a major boost for Ireland. His experience and technical prowess at prop are invaluable, and his presence will undoubtedly strengthen the Irish scrum. The tight-head prop position has been a source of competition within the squad, and Furlong’s selection underscores his importance to Farrell’s plans.
The shift to a 5-3 bench split suggests that Farrell anticipates a physically demanding encounter, where forward dominance will be crucial. The inclusion of Bealham provides additional cover in the front row, while the presence of Conan and Timoney offers further options in the back row.
Ireland and England both find themselves in a similar position after two rounds of the Six Nations, with one win apiece. For England, the pressure is particularly acute following their defeat to Scotland, and they will be eager to regain momentum against their Irish rivals. The match at Allianz Stadium promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams desperate to secure a victory and strengthen their position in the championship standings.
Farrell emphasized the familiarity and respect between the two sides, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. “Games between the two sides have been nip and tuck over recent times and there’s great familiarity and respect across both camps,” he stated. “We know their strengths and our aim is to deliver the best version of ourselves to put us in a position to get the performance that we want.”
The Irish team will be bolstered by the support of a large contingent of travelling fans, who are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere at Allianz Stadium. Farrell recognizes the importance of this support, stating, “Backed by thousands of travelling Irish supporters who travel from all over the world whenever we play in Twickenham, it will be another special occasion and a challenge we’re excited to face.”
The starting XV named by Farrell demonstrates a blend of experience and youth, with a clear emphasis on physicality and tactical flexibility. The changes made to the team reflect Farrell’s desire to build on the positive momentum generated by the victory over Italy and to prepare his side for the challenges that lie ahead in the Six Nations championship.
Ireland Team to Face England: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
