Young guns will be up to task, says Rowntree

Graham Rowntree insists England’s youngsters will not be overawed at the thought of facing Ireland’s legends when they run out for their first international at Twickenham today.

Jack Nowell, Jonny May and Luther Burrell are playing for England at Twickenham for the first time and Rowntree admits his biggest challenge this week has been keeping their emotions in check.

And the England’s forwards coach says he is not concerned his side will be overcome by nerves when they prepare to play against Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Jonny Sexton, who have 262 Ireland caps between them. Rather, Rowntree believes his men are ‘desperate’ to prove a point and will take the game to their visitors.