Lancaster confident Wilson will fill Cole void

David Wilson will start Saturday’s crunch RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland after head coach Stuart Lancaster declared the Bath prop is now ready for his England return.

The bulging disk that has ended Dan Cole’s Championship means Wilson will be pressed into action at Twickenham despite having played just 47 minutes since recovering from a calf injury sustained two months ago.

The 28-year-old’s cameo came in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership victory over Exeter and despite his lack of match fitness, Cole’s absence ensures he will be promoted straight into the starting XV against an in-form unbeaten Ireland.