England vs Ireland: Henry Pollock gets first start

Henry Pollock has been handed his first Test start as Steve Borthwick makes three changes for his 15th start for England’s must-win Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.

Pollock, 21, has been named at number eight alongside fellow British and Irish Lion Tom Curry, who has featured on the bench for the past six Tests, and Ben Earl in the back row.

Center Ollie Lawrence returns after missing selection for Saturday’s crushing defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.

Tommy Freeman, who started the first two rounds at outside center, returns to the right wing.

England struggled in the air against Gregor Townsend’s side, an area of ​​strength during a 12-match winning run that ended on Saturday.

Tom Roebuck loses his place on the right wing after struggling to assert himself in the air, but Henry Arundel, who was sent off after picking up two yellow cards – the second for taking a player out in the air – is given the chance to redeem himself on the left wing.

The 23-year-old scored four tries in the opening two rounds and was cleared to play after the incident was cited.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has been clear about his desire to use Freeman in an outfield position, but the 24-year-old is arguably England’s best player at winning the ball in the air and those skills have been missed.

A fit-again Lawrence, who missed the opener with a knee injury, was always likely to play a role in this Six Nations after a standout performance against New Zealand in the autumn, where his powerful ball carried the difference.

England’s attack failed to click for Scotland and Lawrence’s strengths were also a factor in forcing Freeman to make the switch.

Captain Maro Itoje will make his 100th cap, becoming the ninth English player to reach the milestone.

Halfbacks Marcus Smith and Jack van Poortvliet both missed selection last week and were named on the bench at 6-2.

Ireland, like England, have only one win in their first two matches in the tournament, making the match essential for both teams to keep their tournament hopes alive.