Six Nations Rugby: Ireland looking to do double over England

Ireland take on the might of England at Twickenham at 2.30pm today in the Six Nations Championship with both teams looking to continue their winning starts to the season.

Ireland enjoyed a record-breaking win against Wales at Lansdowne Road two weeks ago while England were comfortable winners against the Scots but, with the French side making hard work out of defeating Italy, this game is already being billed as the Championship decider.

Eddie O’Sullivan was number two to Warren Gatland last year when Ireland won at Lansdowne Road but today, in only his second game in charge, he must attempt to secure the double over their old rivals.

Both teams have had their share of difficulties over the past two weeks with England’s captain, Martin Johnson, involved in a punching incident while playing with his club side Leicester.

Ireland are still without their inspirational captain, Keith Wood, who is sidelined through injury.

The key position for both sides is at out-half where David Humphreys is in the form of his career for Ireland while Jonny Wilkinson is rated as one of the best number 10’s in the world.

Ireland have made two changes from the side who destroyed the Welsh with Eric Miller and Malcolm O’Kelly both returning after injury while England make just one change.

The Irish team in full is: Dempsey, Murphy, O’Driscoll, Maggs, Hickie, Humphreys, Stringer, Clohessey, Sheahan, Hayes, Galwey, O’Kelly, Miller, Wallace and Foley.