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BSP-09
RUGBYU-6NATIONS-ENG-IRL,TEAM
Youngs set for 100th Test cap as England recall Tuilagi for Ireland
BAGSHOT, United Kingdom, Feb 21, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Ben Youngs is set to win
his 100th Test cap after being recalled to England’s starting side along with
Leicester team-mate Manu Tuilagi for the Six Nations clash against Grand
Slam-chasing Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday.
The Tigers duo take over from scrum-half Willi Heinz and centre Jonathan
Joseph in for a match where Elliot Daly returns to fullback from the left
wing berth with George Furbank carrying a knock.
Joseph fills the vacancy left by Daly on the wing even though uncapped
Gloucester flyer Ollie Thorley was in England coach Eddie Jones’ training
squad.
Meanwhile Courtney Lawes was moved to blindside flanker, with George Kruis
partnering Saracens team-mate Maro Itoje in the second row.
Tuilagi missed England’s 13-6 Calcutta Cup win over Scotland last time out
with the minor groin problem that forced him off early in England’s opening
loss to France in Paris.
Youngs will be making his 100th international appearance this weekend, with
his 98th England cap adding to two Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell — the father of England captain Owen Farrell —
named an unchanged starting line-up on Wednesday following his side’s win
over Wales.
Victory for World Cup finalists England would deny Ireland the Triple Crown
and put Jones’ men firmly back in contention for the Six Nations title.
England (15-1)
Elliot Daly; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Jonathan Joseph;
George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; George
Kruis, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Joe Launchbury,
Charlie Ewels, Ben Earl, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade
Coach: Eddie Jones (AUS).
BSS/AFP/RY/1732 hrs