England set for do-or-die clash with Ireland

England are set for their showdown with Ireland, with their Six Nations hopes very much on the line.

With France winning again last night, with a 13-9 victory over Wales England go into the game at Twickenham today in the knowledge that, by virtue of their loss to Scotland in the first round of fixtures, they effectively have to win.

That will be no mean feat against an Irish side that, alongside England and France, were very much amongst the favourites for this year’s Six Nations. Many are casting Ireland as the clear favourites for this tie, and that is understandable considering their impressive performances in the tournament so far.

They ran France very close, having mounted an outstanding comeback, and nearly snatched victory at the finish, while they comprehensively beat Wales 29-7, which looks all the more impressive after England scraped by the Welsh last time out. Despite their loss to France, the Irish still harbour hopes of winning the tournament themselves, should one of Wales and England manage to halt France on their march towards a Grand Slam.

With a Twickenham crowd behind them, anything could be possible

Johnny Sexton also announced in the week that he will retire after next year’s Rugby World Cup, which means that this will be his last Six Nations, and Ireland’s fly-half will certainly want to go out with a bang, with his first start of the tournament this Saturday.

Standing in his way is an England side which will, however much they have underperformed this year, have the backing of a Twickenham crowd which recent form shows Ireland have struggled to deal with in the past. Out of their last eight games at England’s home ground, Ireland, even with their so-called ‘golden generation’ have only managed to win one game. England have shown signs of promise, especially in the dynamic performances of scrum-half Marcus Smith, but weaknesses have also emerged time and again across the tournament, where England are yet to put in a truly great performance.

Their attack has looked toothless, with the team at times relying on a physical defence, which coach Eddie Jones has been making much of in the build-up to the tie. Jones has said that “Ireland know it’s going to be a physical game,” oddly citing the fact that the Irish haven’t played South Africa in a few years as meaning they’ll be unprepared for the physical battle.

In this respect, England are boosted by the return of flanker Tom Curry, although they are praying that Maro Itoje returns from a bout of illness in time for the match. Ireland are without prop Andrew Porter, but with the experience of Cian Healy in reserve, they have an able-enough replacement.

Eddie Jones says that England are treating this match as their ‘semi-final’ before a ‘final’ against the French should they triumph. It will be a tough task against a solid Irish team but, with a Twickenham crowd behind them, anything could be possible.