Other Sport

Jack Crowley replaces Sam Prendergast for Ireland’s Six Nations trip to England

Editorial Team
/ 2 min read
Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley passing the ball during training

Jack Crowley has been handed the starting fly-half jersey for Ireland’s Six Nations clash against England, with Sam Prendergast omitted entirely from the matchday squad.

The Munster playmaker steps into the primary pivot role following Prendergast’s struggles to assert authority during the opening two rounds of the championship.

Head coach Andy Farrell has opted for the versatile Ciaran Frawley to provide cover from the bench as the reigning champions travel to Twickenham.

Experience returns for title charge

Farrell has recalled a wealth of experience to his starting XV as Ireland look to maintain their push for the title.

British and Irish Lions prop Tadhg Furlong returns to the front row, addressing scrummaging issues identified in the previous victory over Italy.

There are also returns for 2022 World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, adding significant tempo and breakdown work rate to the side.

Garry Ringrose has shaken off an injury scare to resume his midfield partnership with Stuart McCloskey, providing defensive solidity in the outside centre channel.

Farrell expecting tight contest

Ireland secured a Grand Slam with a win over England in Dublin last year, but suffered a narrow defeat on their last visit to south-west London courtesy of a late Marcus Smith drop-goal.

Andy Farrell anticipates another close encounter at the renamed Allianz Stadium.

Games between the two sides have been nip and tuck over recent times and there’s great familiarity and respect across both camps.

Andy Farrell, Ireland head coach

Farrell emphasised the importance of the travelling support for what he described as a “special occasion”.

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.

Andy Farrell

Line-ups

Ireland XV

15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Tommy O’Brien.