Billy Vunipola and Anthony Watson to start against Ireland as England chase Grand Slam

Starting: Billy Vunipola was expected to sit out the entire Six Nations after surgery
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Chris Jones16 March 2017

Billy Vunipola and Anthony Watson were today drafted into the England team for the Grand Slam clash with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Vunipola, who was expected to sit out the entire Six Nations after knee surgery, replaces Nathan Hughes, while Watson takes over from Jack Nowell, who scored two tries in the 61-21 win over Scotland last Saturday.

The Saracens No8 and Bath wing Watson are skilled under the high ball and England expect to face an aerial bombardment as they bid to become the first team to win back-to-back Grand Slams, create a new world record of 19 successive wins and also clinch another Triple Crown.

Vunipola made a big impact as a replacement against Scotland, having returned to action three weeks earlier than expected, while Watson scored a try after Elliot Daly was taken off after suffering a blow to the head at Twickenham.

Daly has passed concussion protocols and is fit to face Ireland, with his experience at full-back for Wasps also crucial in dealing with Ireland’s kicking game.

England head coach Eddie Jones said: “Not having anything to play for means Ireland have the courage to fail, which frees them up mentally.

"We are a little bit vulnerable because we have already been crowned the Six Nations champions and we had a big win against Scotland, so for us it’s getting the right mind-set for the game.”

England team to face Ireland

Aviva Stadium, March 18

15. Mike Brown (59 caps)

14. Anthony Watson (25 caps)

13. Jonathan Joseph (32 caps)

12. Owen Farrell (51 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (12 caps)  

10. George Ford (34 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (69 caps)

1. Joe Marler (50 caps)

2. Dylan Hartley (83 caps)

3. Dan Cole (73 caps)

4. Joe Launchbury (41 caps)  

5. Courtney Lawes (57 caps)

6. Maro Itoje (11caps)

7. James Haskell (74 caps) 

8. Billy Vunipola (33 caps)

Replacements

16. Jamie George, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Tom Wood, 20. Nathan Hughes, 21. Danny Care, 22. Ben Te’o, 23. Jack Nowell

Meanwhile, it has emerged that the 12 Premiership clubs and the All Blacks both want a half-share of gate receipts if they are to support an England v New Zealand clash at Twickenham on November 4.

The Professional Game Board, which includes the RFU, the Premiership clubs and the players’ union, meets today and the proposed extra fixture will be top of the agenda.

New Zealand RFU chief executive Steve Tew said: “The All Blacks’ schedule in 2017 is already significant. While we have been working for some time on a variety of options for our end-of-year programme, we are not in a position to comment until we have a confirmed agreement. In any case, England is on the schedule next year and that will be something to look forward to.”

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