England changes for Irish 6 Nations rugby

England have included Alex Goode and Jack Nowell as two changes to their starting 15 for their Six Nations rugby clash with Ireland.

England have made two changes to their starting 15 for Sunday's Six Nations rugby clash with Ireland in Dublin.

Alex Goode takes over at fullback after Mike Brown has been ruled out of the potentially title-clinching game due to a bout of concussion he suffered during the 47-17 rout of Italy a fortnight ago.

Jack Nowell, meanwhile, replaces Jonny May on the left wing for his first cap since his five previous Test appearances during last year's Six Nations, ending a near year-long absence due to shoulder and knee injuries.

May scored a superb solo try against New Zealand in November, but he wasted a three-on-one overlap against Italy and his defence had always been seen as suspect.

The two changes are the first England have made during this year's Six Nations.

In the third and final adjustment to the match-day 23, tighthead prop Kieran Brookes is withdrawn from the bench after failing to recover from a hip flexor strain, giving Henry Thomas his first chance.

"Alex is in good form for Saracens and has been training well over the last few weeks, as has Jack Nowell who is also playing well for Exeter Chiefs," head coach Stuart Lancaster said.

"Both have been pushing hard for selection and I'm sure they'll seize their chance against a high-quality Ireland side."

The match pits the two unbeaten sides in the championship, with England successful against Wales and Italy and Ireland on top against Italy and France.

England (15-1):

Alex Goode; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jack Nowell; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw, James Haskell; George Kruis, David Attwood; Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Joe Marler. Res: Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Henry Thomas, Nick Easter, Tom Croft, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees.


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Source: AAP


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