Six Nations Rugby Home
 
 
 
 

Ireland worried about England's backline threat

Article Published: Friday 26 February 2010

Email Article | | Print Article





Ireland heads to Twickenham on Saturday trying to get its Six Nations campaign back on track, wary that England's backs are about to finally show their best form at international level.

Defending grand slam champion Ireland needs to beat England after being outclassed 33-10 in France two weeks ago.

But the English have won both their opening games and scored four tries to Ireland's three despite failing to fully embrace the more fluid style favored by the most successful rugby nations.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll will line up at center alongside Leinster teammate Gordon D'Arcy, with the pair's attacking instincts possibly curtailed by having to contend with Riki Flutey and Mathew Tait opposite them.

"They're both very good players, but both are very different," O'Driscoll said.
 
"Riki's a second distributor while Mathew Tait is very much a strike runner who has played a bit on the wing as well.

"He's a very quick guy with good feet who has matured. They've started up a bit of a partnership which is only going to get better the more they play together."

England faced heavy criticism from fans and commentators for a sometimes turgid display against Italy in the last round but could be forced into what amounts to an adventurous selection.

Team manager Martin Johnson opted for an unchanged lineup for Saturday but Mark Cueto is ill and could be replaced on the wing by the uncapped Chris Ashton.

Former rugby league international Ashton has scored 18 tries for Northampton this season and could pose problems to an Ireland back line broken open by the speedy, powerful French.

But only if England can get the ball to its backs.

Johnson has long been criticized for England's lumbering and unimaginative play, not least in the 17-12 win at Italy.

The personnel seems to be in place for a more expansive style, but a high-pressure match in which defeat could end either side's title hopes may not bring out the best in England.

Captain Steve Borthwick said flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson should not be criticized for England's patchy displays.

"I know how fantastically significant his contribution is to this team," Borthwick said.
 
"I can't praise him highly enough." Ireland has won five of the past six matches against England but lost 33-10 at Twickenham two years ago.
 
"England are never a bad side," O'Driscoll said.
 
"Any time I've played against them and won, it's usually been by one score or less. That just shows you have to be on your game to beat them.

"Two years ago at Twickenham they were 10 points down and scored 33 unanswered points to win comfortably."

Ireland has recalled Jonathan Sexton at flyhalf ahead of record points-scorer Ronan O'Gara in one of four changes to the side beaten in Paris.

Geordan Murphy replaces injured fullback Rob Kearney, hooker Rory Best replaces the suspended Jerry Flannery and Donncha O'Callaghan comes in at lock for the first time since November's win over South Africa.

Latest Rugby News from Rugbyweek.com

(All links here will take you to Rugbyweek.com)

All Blacks looking for 10th straight Wallaby win
The All Blacks -- many of whom lived through the powerful Christchurch earthquake -- will look to put emotional trauma aside as they eye a record 10th consecutive win over Australia on Saturday.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
Wallabies call up Turner for injured Mitchell
Players unite against SARugby over Currie Cup
All Blacks make five changes for Wallabies

Latest England News

RFU Boss to invest heavily for England success
The RFU's new chief executive John Steele has vowed that no expense will be spared in getting England back to the top of the world rankings.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
England cannot take a backward step: Leonard
Another England blow for Borthwick
England can challenge the All Blacks: Flutey

Latest France Rugby News

Jauzion to retire after 2011 Rugby World Cup
France and Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion has announced that he will end his international career with France after the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
France must have patience : Poitrenaud
France looking to end season on a high
France lose their fly half for Argentina

Latest Ireland News

Ireland drop O'Gara to the bench for Australia
Ronan O'Gara has been dropped ot the bench for what could be his 100th Test cap in Ireland's final game of the season against Australia.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
New Zealand Maori beat Ireland
Murphy to captain Ireland against NZ Maori
Heaslip banned for five weeks for kneeing

Latest Italy Rugby News

Italy target Ireland & Australia at RWC 2011
Italy's coach Nick Mallet says that he is aiming for Italy to reach their first ever Rugby World cup Quarter final next year in New Zealand.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
Parisse returns to captain Italy against Boks
Italy lose centre Andrea Masi for Wales clash
Gower warns Italy of wounded Wales team

Latest Scotland News

Smit's focus will be on the game, not 100th cap
In what will be an emotional moment despite denials to the contrary, Springbok captain John Smit will run on in his 100th Test on Saturday when South Africa play the All Blacks in a Tri-Nations Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
Scotland beat Argentina in Mar del Plata
Parks boots Scotland to victory over Argentina
Scotland to take on All Blacks, Boks & Samoa

Latest Wales Rugby News

Mixed messages from Henson and Wales
Gavin Henson has been on unpaid leave from his club, the Ospreys for 18 months but that hasn't stopped the Welsh Rugby Union from choosing him to front their new shirt campaign.
Read more on this Six Nations Rugby news article

Other recent news
Henson to target 2011 World Cup for Wales
Gatland to decide on Wales future this month
English Premiership clubs interested in Henson