Ireland vs England

Here is how the two teams compare ahead of Ireland's Grand Slam showdown with England. Ireland. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) Age: 26 Caps: 29.

Performed well when Saracens dominated Europe but suffers when surrounded by a struggling squad such as this one. Of all the desultory sights in Twickenham, that of a sorry Dombrandt flailing at a tackle attempt from a late French cross-kick on counter-attack summed up their pallid display. Should be at the peak of once formidable powers but instead is a poor imitation, not helped by illness and poor husbandry of the game at international level. A lively presence but the Irish back-row is the most watchful on the scene. Has never lost to Ireland and this 10-12-13 combo masterminded both a 2019 win in Dublin as well as that year’s thumping quarter-final win against Australia. Despite playing only 168 minutes in this campaign due to his Leinster colleague’s untrammelled eminence, Conan lies third in a rank of all championship players when rated for carries per minute. With all that is happening at the ultimate level of Irish rugby, it must be recalled that the relatively unsung Ulster lock was a heroic presence on last summer’s historic summer tour, featuring in all five games. Remarkable to think that a stroke of a pen on holiday almost consigned his career to the history books, where he would have resided with much accomplishments to his name. Despite the potential absence of Leinster’s leading lights, Ireland would have lost little with the Ulster man in tow. Now a supreme dartist to add to his artistry in the back-row; despite being shoe-horned into emergency duties last weekend, he didn’t neglect his primary duties, completing a team-high 18 tackles. Like Henshaw, another latecomer to the putative Grand Slam party and will give the side added energy in what should be a compelling battle against Dan Cole, one which may verge into illegal territory. Restored for successive weeks to his more favoured midfield role, his experimental shift at 13 against Italy renders that future possibility a non-runner.