Fullback: Rob Kearney vs Alex Goode
Alex Goode comes in for Mike Brown after a nasty injury against Italy has left him unavailable for selection and this has left many English fans concerned. Concerns over Goode's pace have been a large talking point from rugby fans, and the knowledge that Kearney is one of the best in his position has put more pressure on the fly-half/fullback. But could it be Goode's kicking game that saves England? It is one of Ireland's stronger points, Goode will be put under a lot of pressure, but he is experienced and should cope with this. Would Watson at fullback whilst retaining May to partner Nowell have been a wiser move from Lancaster. Not in my opinion. Whilst Watson is an accomplished fullback, he has little experience here internationally, and I think although Goode lacks Watson pace and ability in the air, the skilled footballer does have advantages over the Bath player. Having said that, Goode is not at the same level as Kearney, and Ireland have the edge in this area.
Fly-half: Jonny Sexton vs George Ford
Again, Ireland have possibly the best player in the world in his position, this time in another crucial role, number 10. The man that took a Basteraud to the face against the smallest man on the pitch, 51 caps against 8 caps, the master Jonny Sexton against the prodigy George Ford, it will be fascinating to watch. Ford will need to be as reliable as Sexton when going for goal in order for England to compete, and it is Sexton's ability from the tee that will worry an English side that have started slowly recently, and if they are ill-disciplined in the first-half once again then they could fall too far behind the Irish in order to mount a comeback. Sexton could be lethal to the English, but Ford is very dangerous as well, and should not be under-estimated by the Irish. Working with fellow bath players, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson, we've seen the partnerships have their moments of magic, and Ford will be creating space for the men outside him to attack one of the weakest areas of the Irish team, the centres. If Ford can unleash JJ and others to attack this area, England will have a great chance, but they'll need to do it early on and not concede penalties or Sexton will crucify them.
The Breakdown: Sean O'Brien vs James Haskell
England have the advantage at set-pieces, they do against every team in the world, but this game will be won and loss at the breakdown. Both sides will have to be well disciplined and will need to force turnovers and steal the ball away from their opponents. That is why Haskell and O'Brien will be so important in this game. We know how significant they can be in this area of the pitch, and at club level both have been sensational, Haskell will have the advantage of playing alongside the tackling machine that is Chris Robshaw though, and may be able to focus his game on to his jackling and ability to turn that ball over.
Conclusion:
It's going to be a tough, close, nerve-racking game. England need to make sure they start strongly, no silly penalties or Sexton will hurt them. Ireland will make the most of their strong kicking game, and will chase hard, putting pressure on the inexperienced England backs. Before the 6 Nations started, I said Ireland would win this match, but it is just so close, it is going to be a real nail-biter. Both sides know they can win this, but Ireland haven't beaten England in a while, and the young, fearless England side may have the mental advantage over the Irish, in spite of the fantastic Irish form. We will find out on Sunday, but I am going for another 3 point victory for England, provided they start strongly. Otherwise, they could let Ireland ease in to a 10-15 point lead, and that will be almost impossible to come back from.
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