SIR CLIVE’S THREE KEY CLASHES

JAMIE GEORGE v DAN SHEEHAN

THE forward battle is going to be key. If there was a Lions Test tomorrow, Sheehan would undoubtedly be the starting hooker, probably with England captain George in reserve, so this is a great contest. Sheehan is a brilliant player. He is the heartbeat of the Irish pack and set-piece but is also a wonderful attacker. He is second top try-scorer in this Six Nations. England need to try to put Sheehan’s throwing under pressure by getting jumpers in the air on the Irish line-out. George also needs to be at 100 per cent.

ALEX MITCHELL v JAMISON GIBSON-PARK

MITCHELL is England’s best scrum-half so his return from the knee injury that forced him to miss the Scotland defeat is a big boost. Mitchell loves to play quick. He does it all the time for Northampton if you watch him at club level. My concern is he is playing with the handbrake on for England. That handbrake needs to be let off for England to shine. I’d love to see his tap-and-go game be released this weekend. Gibson-Park (left) plays at breakneck speed for Ireland. England must do likewise.

GEORGE FURBANK v HUGO KEENAN

I’M pleased Furbank has kept his place at full back. He scored against Scotland and although he wasn’t perfect, he needs to be given a bit of a run in the 15 shirt. Freddie Steward has been left out again but Furbank is the sort of player I think is perfect for the style of play I want to see from England. He has plenty of pace, too. Keenan is back from a knee injury for Ireland and is the best full back in the northern hemisphere. He plays the sort of running rugby England must aspire to.