Curry starts for England but Dombrandt among the replacements

LONDON : Tom Curry will feature at open-side flanker for England against Ireland in their must-win Six Nations encounter at Twickenham on Saturday but number eight Alex Dombrandt is only among the replacements after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

Coach Eddie Jones has selected a pack he thinks can counter the Irish, who he calls the "most cohesive side in the world right now".

Curry completed his return to play protocols after suffering a concussion in the 23-19 victory over Wales last month and will form a back row with captain Courtney Lawes and Sam Simmonds.

Dombrandt has been a stand-out performer in the Six Nations so far but will start the game from the bench, alongside Joe Launchbury, who will end his 15-month absence from the side if he comes on.

Props Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler make up the front row alongside hooker Jamie George, while Maro Itoje and Charlie Ewels are the lock pairing.

The competition’s leading points-scorer Marcus Smith continues in the flyhalf berth, while Harry Randall is his half-back partner, and Joe Marchant and Henry Slade make up the midfield.

The back three includes wings Jack Nowell and Max Malins, while Freddie Steward wears the number 15 jersey.

"We've been looking at this game as a semi-final," Jones said in a media release from the Rugby Football Union.

"Ireland are the most cohesive side in the world right now and it will be a good test this weekend.

"We've prepared really well for this game. We did some good team togetherness work in Bristol and had a solid week of training on the pitch."

England must win to set up a Six Nations decider against France in Paris on March 19.

Team: 15-Freddie Steward, 14-Max Malins, 13-Joe Marchant, 12-Henry Slade, 11-Jack Nowell, 10-Marcus