Keenan back to boost Ireland’s title charge
Ireland welcome back Hugo Keenan at fullback for the Six Nations match against England tomorrow but have lost lock James Ryan for the rest of the tournament after a training incident.
Keenan, ever present for Ireland since his 2001 debut, injured a knee in the second round win over Italy and missed the following home win against Wales.
Ciaran Frawley deputised and scored a try. He’s been relegated to the reserves for the weekend clash.
Keenan’s return is the only change to Ireland, the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
“A boost for any side in world rugby,” Ireland coach Andy Farrell said of Keenan. “He’s a world-class fullback.
“It’s testament to him and it’s no shock to us that he’s been able to get himself back to this position to be involved this weekend as he’s been unbelievably diligent over the last few weeks to make that happen.”
Ryan suffered a bicep injury that has yet to be clarified.
“He got injured yesterday in training,” Farrell said. “Just a freak accident really, just a reaction, reaching out for a tackle that was non-contact and he’s injured his bicep. He won’t be available for the remainder of this Six Nations.”
His place in the reserves was taken by Iain Henderson, who has overcome a foot injury to possibly play his 81st test.
Centre Garry Ringrose was finally available following a shoulder injury in January, but he wasn’t picked partly because of another 6-2 forwards-backs split.
Ireland can clinch the Six Nations title with a bonus-point win at Twickenham with a game to spare. That would leave them to focus on a Grand Slam when Scotland go to Dublin next week.
Winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will make his first start for England among four changes after losing to Scotland.
The Wales-born Feyi-Waboso received his first caps in the first three rounds as a replacement, and scored a maiden test try late against Scotland.
He’s replaced Tommy Freeman, who has switched to the left wing and bumped Elliot Daly to the reserves.
Halfback Alex Mitchell has returned from an ACL strain to make his first start in this tournament, along with another World Cup player, lock George Martin. Ollie Chessum has accommodated by transferring to the blindside flank in place of Ethan Roots.
Into the reserves have come first fiveeighth Marcus Smith, fit again after a pretournament calf injury, back-rower Alex Dombrandt for his first test since August, and halfback Danny Care, who could make his 100th appearance for England since his 2008 debut. He would become England’s sixth centurion.
“Danny has been a tremendous servant to English rugby and reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement,” coach Steve Borthwick said.
“He’s a wonderful player and someone who always puts the team first. The team couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishment.”
"Danny has been a tremendous servant to English rugby . "
Steve Borthwick on Danny Care