England Rings Changes for Crucial Clash with Ireland: Feyi-Waboso Earns First Start

Steve Borthwick has unveiled an England lineup brimming with three alterations as they prepare to face Ireland in a crucial Guinness Six Nations encounter at Twickenham this Saturday. Among the notable changes is the inclusion of rookie winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who earns his maiden Test start in the national jersey.

The English side, coming off a disappointing 21-30 defeat to Scotland in round three, are determined to bounce back with renewed vigor against their Irish rivals on home turf. Borthwick’s squad adjustments reflect a strategic shift aimed at reclaiming their championship momentum.

Feyi-Waboso, who showcased his try-scoring prowess as a replacement in the previous fixture against Scotland, will make his first Test start on the right wing, displacing Elliot Daly, who finds himself among the substitutes this time. Tommy Freeman steps into the left wing position, completing the back three alongside Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank.

In the half-back pairing, the return of the fit-again Alex Mitchell sees him reclaiming the starting spot from Danny Care, who moves to the bench to provide valuable cover.

The solitary change in the forward pack sees George Martin elevated from the bench to start in the lock position, while Ollie Chessum transitions to blindside flanker in place of the excluded Ethan Roots.

While Ireland opts for a six/two forwards/backs bench split, England maintains a five/three divide, retaining a balance of options across the field.

Notable additions among the replacements include Alex Dombrandt, marking his return to the national squad after a hiatus since the Rugby World Cup warm-up loss to Wales, and Marcus Smith, who assumes the spot previously held by Fin Smith.

The revamped England lineup for the clash against Ireland is as follows:

Starting XV:

• George Furbank
• Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
• Henry Slade
• Ollie Lawrence
• Tommy Freeman
• George Ford (vice-captain)
• Alex Mitchell
• Ellis Genge (vice-captain)
• Jamie George (captain)
• Dan Cole
• Maro Itoje (vice-captain)
• George Martin
• Ollie Chessum
• Sam Underhill
• Ben Earl

Replacements:

• Theo Dan
• Joe Marler
• Will Stuart
• Chandler Cunningham-South
• Alex Dombrandt
• Danny Care
• Marcus Smith
• Elliot Daly

As England braces for a fierce showdown against Ireland, anticipation mounts for a riveting battle of skill, strategy, and determination at Twickenham.