'Performance against Wales made selection easy'

“I was very happy with our performance against Wales so that made it a very simple team selection and there was not much to talk about,” Eddie O’Sullivan said today, after naming his team to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

“There were no areas of debate. I was happy with the way Gordon and Brian played as a pair against Wales so we have decided to stick with them.”

Leinster second row Malcolm O’Kelly has been restored to the starting line-up in the only change from the Welsh game.

The veteran lock has been called up as a replacement for injured Munster forward Donncha O’Callaghan, who strained the medial ligament in his right knee during the first half of the 36-15 victory over Wales.

Gary Longwell has landed a place on the bench, taking O’Kelly’s place, and while Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy continue their midfield partnership. Saturday’s match will mark the 50th test appearance for number eight Anthony Foley.