The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Jones says back three up for aerial challenge
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.
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. He 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.”
There are four changes in personnel and two positional switches to the side that defeated Scotland 13-6 in the Calcutta Cup a week after falling to France in Paris.
Manu Tuilagi returns at outside centre after winning his battle with a minor groin strain sustained in the Six
Nations opener that forced him to miss the trip to Murrayfield.
Henry Slade is also present after two months out with an ankle injury, but the Exeter Chiefs playmaker must settle for a place on the bench, which once again sees a six-two split between forwards and backs.
The two-way duel for scrum-half duties has been won by Ben Youngs, who ousts Willi Heinz.
Courtney Lawes displaces Lewis Ludlam at blindside flanker with the young Northampton Saint missing out on the 23 altogether, while Joe Marler comes in for Mako Vunipola at loosehead prop. Vunipola has returned home to Tonga for family reasons.