Where do Ireland and England’s strengths and weaknesses lie?

Ireland are aiming to complete the Grand Slam when they host England in the climax to the Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

As the world’s number one-ranked side, Ireland are expected to sweep aside their near rivals, who collapsed to a record home defeat to France in round four.

While Ireland are playing for glory, England are looking to restore reputations in the wake of their troubling 53-10 rout at Twickenham.

Here, the PA news agency examines both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.

A golden era of Irish rugby has produced a host of outstanding internationals, spearheaded by reigning world player of the year Josh van der Flier. Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan and Hugo Keenan would also be at home in a world XV, while veteran Johnny Sexton, 37, is showing why he is among the finest fly-halves seen in the professional era.

England, meanwhile, would struggle to contribute a single player to a composite Six Nations side such has been the collapse in form that set in during the latter stages of the Eddie Jones era. Ellis Genge has been an indefatigable carrier, while rookies Ollie Chessum and Ollie Lawrence have impressed, but even that trio were steamrollered by the French juggernaut.

Winner: Ireland

Another area where Ireland are currently excelling, as demonstrated by the chaos at Murrayfield where a series of injuries meant flanker Van der Flier was throwing into the line-out while prop Cian Healy was forced to scrummage at hooker. Veteran half-back Sexton and Conor Murray were outstanding amid the carnage, while replacement number nine Jamison Gibson-Park brought the extra spark that was needed.

England’s difficulties have made life hard for Owen Farrell and Genge, the two