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    Keith Earls scores Ireland’s first-half try

    Keith Earls scores Ireland’s first-half try

    (Getty Images)

    England and Ireland are looking to close their 2021 Six Nations campaigns with a win at the Aviva Stadium. Both teams picked up wins last time out over France and Scotland respectively, and they have identical records coming into their clash on ‘Super Saturday’ – two wins and two losses each, although Ireland have an additional bonus point to their tally.

    The two rivals faced each other back in the Autumn Nations Cup, with England coming away 18-7 victors following a sensational try by Jonny May. England will be without Henry Slade for the Six Nations climax due to a calf injury, so Elliot Daly will start at outside centre. His recall to the starting XV is the only change to the team that banished French hopes of a Grand Slam at Twickenham last Saturday.

    Ireland star CJ Stander surprisingly announced his retirement at the end of this campaign, so the match against England will be his last appearance in the green of his country. The 30-year-old back-rower could play his last rugby later this year with the Lions, if he is selected. Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale has been picked ahead of James Lowe while Bundee Aki will replace injured centre Garry Ringrose. It will be the duo’s first appearance of the Six Nations as head coach Andy Farrell re-shapes his squad for their final match of the tournament. Follow all the action below.

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 60 minutes

    Ireland roar their approval as Mathieu Raynal awards the penalty their way! Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong munch their opposites and Kyle Sinckler turns in under severe pressure - the lead will extend further. Furlong celebrates by flexing his barrel of a body. He’s been another real standout in green, clear of Sinckler by a distance on the day in what could be a battle to start at tighthead for the Lions.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:09

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 59 minutes

    Dan Robson appears to be stationed at fly-half, for now, with George Ford having already been replaced. England’s midfield thus reads Robson (10), Lawrence (12), Marchant (13) - what odds could you have found on that on Monday morning? England’s two makeshift tens are of course Henry Slade and Max Malins, both injured, though Marchant did play there at age-group level, I believe.

    Elliot Daly is also in a first-receiver position as England have a scrum feed. Three times we reset, though, and still we wait.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:07

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 56 minutes

    Farrell is down after a bang to the head courtesy of Iain Henderson’s firm carry, and despite his protests will have to go off for an HIA, with the impartial doctor at the Aviva Stadium perhaps having spotted some unsteadiness after a firm collision. Dan Robson is England’s only remaining back replacement - a reshuffle required.

    Jonny Hill also arrives into the game, with Charlie Ewels departing with his captain.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:05

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 55 minutes

    Joe Marchant gets a first Six Nations carry in the English midfield but his first-phase rumble is as impactful a charge as England put together in five phases. Ireland slow ruck ball, and then a double tackle on Billy Vunipola allows Josh van der Flier to wrench the ball free from the England number eight’s arms.

    Owen Farrell is down receiving some treatment as Ireland clear, and as England look to launch a counter-attack there is some crossing on the right as Elliot Daly eyes another adventure. Penalty to Ireland.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:03

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 53 minutes

    Smart by Ireland as they pin Elliot Daly into his own corner, but a reminder of what the Saracens man can do as he jumps and jinks his way past four Irish defenders like an art thief dancing past the laser grid, extricating himself most delightfully. Penalty to England at the breakdown, booted down into Irish territory.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:01

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    Ireland 23-6 England, 51 minutes

    Ben Earl and Joe Marchant are Eddie Jones’ next bench options to be used as England desperately look to switch momentum back their way.

    But again and again today their carriers have been too upright, and Tadhg Beirne has feasted in the choke tackle. Tom Curry is the guilty party held up off the floor on this occasion - Beirne has had an absolute stormer.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 18:00

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    PENALTY! IRELAND 23-6 England (Johnny Sexton penalty, 50 minutes)

    A hint of a fade on Sexton’s kick from the left but it starts centrally and strays only slightly from a welcoming path between the posts. The lead swells.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 17:58

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    TMO Check? NO TRY! Ireland 20-6 England, 49 minutes

    Earls does appear to have gathered safely and got the ball down, but has Iain Henderson knocked on in contact in the phase before the kick? He’s hit hard in the tackle as he arrives on a crash ball, but appears to have tapped it back Irish way.

    Cian Healy, however, has not, in trying to gather the hopping ball after Henderson’s fumble. The try is chalked off for a knock-on. Ireland will have a penalty, and Johnny Sexton points towards goal.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 17:57

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    Ireland 20-6 England, 48 minutes

    There goes Iain Henderson! Marching through the England midfield, the lock’s long strides enjoy the open space and take Ireland into the England 22.

    Advantage coming, a cross-kick to the right, and Keith Earls might have scored!

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 17:55

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    Ireland 20-6 England, 47 minutes

    England take a leaf out of Ireland’s book as they ask Jonny May to get after an angled high bomb, but unlike their opponents’ efforts in the first half, the accuracy is lacking: too deep, mark claimed, free kick cleared towards halfway.

    This time England do look to play some phases, but Charlie Ewels is snared in Rob Herring’s bear trap and Tadhg Beirne attacks the exposed ball. A perfect jackal from Beirne and a turnover penalty again awarded Ireland’s way.

    Harry Latham-Coyle20 March 2021 17:53

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