Jones has an air of calm about task ahead

EDDIE Jones insists England have a back three to face down Ireland’s aerial threat after being forced into a reshuffle for tomorrow’s Twickenham collision (3pm).

After two starts at full-back, George Furbank has been ruled out of the pivotal Guinness Six Nations showdown by a long-standing groin and hip injury that sees Elliot Daly restored to the number 15 jersey.

The vacancy on the left wing created by Daly’s move is filled by Jonathan Joseph, who will mark his 50th cap by making his first Test start in the position having made two replacement appearances there.

One of Ireland’s strengths is the kicking game directed by Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton and their ability to challenge for the ball in the air, but Jones insists England have an accomplished trio patrolling the backfield.

“It’s no disruption at all. Elliot has played a lot of Test football at 15, so he welcomes the opportunity. We don’t feel he has got a deficiency (under the high ball),” Jones said.

“Jonathan has played on the wing for us before. He could play 12, 13 or on the wings. We used him on the wings during the World Cup, he’s a versatile player.

“He’s a great defender, a great defender in space, and he’s got good jumping skills.”

Jones stated that Furbank’s run of two caps has been interrupted by a troublesome injury, yet the Northampton rookie is one of two reserves for Twickenham.

“George is just not quite right. Rather than risk him - he couldn’t train yesterday (Thursday) - we felt like we were better off resting him this weekend,” Jones said.

“He has a long-term groin and hip issue that’s he had for many a year, and just needed to give it some time.”

Ireland lock Iain Henderson will miss the trip to London following the birth of his son, meaning a start for Devin Toner.

England: E Daly (Saracens); J May (Leicester), M Tuilagi (Leicester), O Farrell (Saracens, capt), J Joseph (Bath); G Ford (Leicester), B Youngs (Leicester); J Marler (Harlequins), J George (Saracens), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Itoje (Saracens), G Kruis (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton), S Underhill (Bath), T Curry (Sale). Reps: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), E Genge (Leicester), W Stuart (Bath), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Ewels (Bath), B Earl (Saracens), W Heinz (Gloucester), H Slade (Exeter).

Ireland: J Larmour (Leinster); A Conway (Munster), R Henshaw (Leinster), B Aki (Connacht), J Stockdale (Ulster); J Sexton (Leinster, capt), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Herring (Ulster), T Furlong (Leinster), D Toner (Leinster), J Ryan (Leinster), P O’Mahony (Munster), J van der Flier (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster). Reps: R Kelleher (Leinster), D Kilcoyne (Munster), A Porter (Leinster), U Dillane (Connacht), C Doris (Leinster), J Cooney (Ulster), R Byrne (Leinster), K Earls (Munster).

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa).