SCOTLAND’S JOHNSON: NO ONE LIKES ENGLAND

SCOTLAND centre Sam Johnson has ramped up the tensions between the two teams by revealing his childhood in Australia taught him that ‘no one likes England’. The Glasgow Warriors man grew up in Brisbane before switching to Scotland to play rugby union and had learned to ‘hate’ the Poms in all their competitive guises. And 12 months on from scoring the try that completed Scotland’s comeback from 31-0 down to lead 38-31 at Twickenham before England salvaged a draw, Johnson admitted: ‘I wasn’t aware of the scale of this game when I was growing up, to be honest. ‘What I will say is that no one likes England. It was the same growing up in Australia. Whether it’s cricket, rugby or any sport, you want to win. ‘You fully respect England because of how good they are. But I don’t think anyone likes them when you’re growing up. ‘We have the greatest respect for England because they are so good — you almost hate them for it.’

WALES full back Liam Williams will not play in the Six Nations this month due to ankle trouble but may return against England on March 7. Ireland coach Andy Farrell made two changes from the 19-12 win over Scotland for Saturday’s game against Wales in Dublin. Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw come in for Caelan Doris and Garry Ringrose.

IRELAND: Larmour; Conway, Henshaw, Aki, Stockdale; Sexton (capt), Murray; Healy, Herring, Furlong; Henderson, Ryan; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Stander.

Subs: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Porter, Toner, Deegan, Cooney, Byrne, Earls.