Ireland will kick-start their Six Nations title defence by hosting England in Dublin on Saturday.
Here, Press Association Sport examines five key talking points ahead of the Aviva Stadium clash.
Can Robbie Henshaw thrive at full-back?
Jack Nowell ready to go in new “libero” role
Unnaturally?? pic.twitter.com/WjVjGNVgxm
— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) January 18, 2019
Exeter winger Nowell has revealed he has been given a “golden ticket” by coach Eddie Jones to roam in a free role against Ireland on Saturday. Jones previously half-joked he would deploy Nowell as an auxiliary flanker, a ninth forward, in Dublin. Quite how that manifests remains to be seen, but former Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan recently revealed on Twitter he utilised Isoa Damudamu as a ‘libero’ or sweeper in his days coaching Newbury. The tactic comes with far less flexibility than the football equivalent, but the idea remains the same – an all-court player operating in a free role in an ostensibly defensive remit, roaming around trying to steal ball wherever possible.
Bundee Aki and Manu Tuilagi lock horns for the first time since college
Back then a callow Aki insisted he steered clear of Leicester powerhouse Tuilagi – but this weekend there will be no quarter given by either party. Expect seismic collisions as two of the global game’s most physical exponents hurtle straight down each other’s channel.
Will Ireland bore England to death?
Even a 3-0 home win would be viewed as scintillating by the Irish public. And when England are fully honest with themselves, they will admit that rather than boring, what they meant was that it is simply extremely difficult to pinch the ball off an Ireland team in full flow. Deny Ireland possession this weekend and England will have a chance. Should the hosts find their rhythm however, it could prove a long Dublin day for the visitors.
Mako and Billy could spell double trouble for Ireland
GOOD TO BE BACK ?
Here’s what Eddie had to say about @bvunipola, @Mako_Vunipola @Manutuilagi and @d_jrobson ahead of Saturday’s #IREvENG clash: https://t.co/g2L9WsDl2q pic.twitter.com/J93gq5YOjM
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 31, 2019
England finally have both Mako and Billy Vunipola fit, and Eddie Jones will love the chance to pair up the influential and physical brothers in his Red Rose pack. Billy Vunipola especially can transform England’s game plan, especially in phase play, given his all-court skill-set. Ireland will have to shut down the Saracens number eight at source if they want to continue their winning Six Nations run.
