England team v Ireland: Henry Pollock gets first start
Henry Pollock has been handed his first Test start as Steve Borthwick makes three changes to his starting XV for England’s must-win Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Pollock, 21, is named at number eight alongside fellow British and Irish Lion Tom Curry, who has featured off the bench in the past six Tests, and Ben Earl in the back row.
Centre Ollie Lawrence returns after missing out on selection for Saturday’s crushing defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.
Tommy Freeman, who started the first two rounds at outside centre, shifts back to the right wing.
England struggled in the air against Gregor Townsend’s side – an area of strength during a 12-game winning run that was ended on Saturday.
Tom Roebuck loses his spot on the right wing after struggling to assert himself aerially, but Henry Arundell, who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards – the second for taking a player out in the air – is given a chance to redeem himself on the left wing.
The 23-year-old has scored four tries in the opening two rounds and was cleared to play after being cited for the incident.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has been clear about his desire to use Freeman at outside centre, but the 24-year-old is arguably England’s best player at winning the ball in the air and those skills have been missed.
Fit-again Lawrence, who missed the opening game through a knee injury, was always likely to play a role in this Six Nations after a standout performance against New Zealand in the autumn, with his powerful ball carrying a point of difference.
England’s attack failed to click against Scotland and Lawrence’s strengths would have also been a factor in forcing the Freeman switch.
Captain Maro Itoje will earn his 100th cap, becoming the ninth England man to reach the milestone.
Half-backs Marcus Smith and Jack van Poortvliet both missed out on selection last week and are named on a 6-2 bench spilt.
Ireland, like England, have one win from their opening two games in the tournament, making the fixture a must-win for both sides to keep their championship hopes alive.