Johnson makes one change

Martin Johnson has made one change to his starting XV to take on Ireland with Matt Banahan coming into the centre to replace injured captain Mike Tindall. [more]

Johnson makes one change

Martin Johnson has made one change to his starting XV to take on Ireland with Matt Banahan coming into the centre to replace injured captain Mike Tindall.

Tindall has led England to four wins, in the absence of regular skipper Lewis Moody – a 2005 Lions tourist.

But Tindall will miss Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations finale against Ireland, which could see England clinch an historic Grand Slam.

Tindall suffered a ligament strain to his left ankle during Sunday's victory 22-16 win over Scotland at Twickenham.
No.8 Nick Easter will captain the side in Tindall’s absence.

Mark Cueto is the only Lion in Johnson’s starting XV but England boast four more on the bench, namely Steve Thompson,

Simon Shaw, last weekend’s hero Tom Croft and Jonny Wilkinson.

In the only other change to the squad David Strettle comes on to the bench.
 

England starting XV to face Ireland: B Foden, C Ashton, M Banahan, S Hape, M Cueto, T Flood, B Youngs, N Easter (capt), J Haskell, T Wood, T Palmer, L Deacon, D Cole, D Hartley, A Corbisiero.

*Bold denotes a former British & Irish Lion

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