To the surprise of nobody, Declan Kidney went with the ‘ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ formula for the Aviva showdown with England.
If Declan Kidney’s team selection for the game with Wales raised an eyebrow or two, he returned to his old ways with the XV he has selected to face England showing no chnages from last week.
Not that we’re complaining. The introduction of Simon Zebo and Craig Gilroy was welcome and they both enjoyed fine debuts, especially the Munster man.
Heading into today’s team announcement, the only real injury fears were over a pair of centres, starter Gordon D’Arcy and reserve Keith Earls. As it turns out, D’Arcy is over his ills so he will partner Brian O’Driscoll in the centre on Sunday. Earls has recovered to retain his place on the bench.
With the remainder of the team doing so well in Cardiff, Kidney leaves well enough alone so there are no changes in the back row, with Ulster Chris Henry having to make do with a slot on the bench again.
Conor Murray holds onto the No 9 and the wings, of course, are still Zebo and Gilroy.
With England making only one change after their opening day win, both back room teams obviously liked what they saw. Something has to give on Sunday. It should be epic.
Ireland team to play England: Rob Kearney; Craig Gilroy, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Simon Zebo; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Mike McCarthy, Donnacha Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip (Captain).
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Declan Fitzpatrick, Donncha O’Callaghan, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O’Gara, Keith Earls.
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