| Venue: Twickenham Dates:Saturday, 12 March Kick-off:16:45 GMT |
| Coverage:Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live. Text commentary available on the BBC Sport website or app. |
Alex Dombrandt, England number eight, is doubtful after being positive for Covid.
Dombrandt, who won the victories over Italy and Wales, received a positive result Friday, 4 March.
Sam Underhill, the flanker, will be returning to the 36-man squad for next weekend’s match at Twickenham.
However, both Raffi Quirke (scram-half) and Jonny Hill (foot), have been ruled out.
Quirke is replaced by Alex Mitchell, while hooker Nic Dolly was also called up following the injury to Luke Cowan–Dickie.
Dombrandt does not need to be legally isolated after his positive test. However, the RFU has established guidelines that Dombrandt will not be allowed to train again until the middle next week.
A spokesperson for RFU said that he will be assessed daily and then brought back to the squad when safe.
After Harlequins Forward testing positive last Friday, it is not likely that he will be able to train before Wednesday. However, he will need a negative result to allow him to do so.
Other than that, Tom Curry, the flanker who was injured against Wales, was named in the squad. However, it is believed that he has not yet completed his Return To Play protocols.
Manu Tuilagi, the centre, will not play after a hamstring injury. Hill was sent back to Exeter and has been ruled out.
Eddie Jones, head coach, has seen his options in the backrow and was helped by the addition of Underhill, who suffered a concussion during the thrilling win against Bristol at the weekend.
England suffered a defeat at Scotland in their opening match. England maintained their title hopes with wins over Italy, Wales, and now faces the toughest challenge of the tournament. Ireland will be next weekend, followed by France in Paris, which is unbeaten.
Harry Randall, scrum-half for Ireland, told BBC Sport that Ireland are a great team. Their attack is very sharp right now.”
“Their breakdown was good, and they play quickly.
It’s going be a huge game. We treated Wales like our quarterfinal, and this will be our semi-final.
“We are at the business’s end.”