Ross Byrne to replace injured Johnny Sexton as Ireland make four changes for England clash

Ireland have made four changes to their XV to face England in the Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham on Saturday.

Fly-half Johnny Sexton and centre Robbie Henshaw are both injured and replaced by Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki respectively.

In Sexton’s absence, James Ryan becomes Ireland’s 107th captain, while former England U20 fly-half Billy Burns – who made his debut against Wales on Friday – is named on the bench. He is going through concussion protocols this week.

Jamison Gibson-Park keeps his place at scrum-half ahead of Conor Murray, meaning Ireland’s half-backs are both inexperienced.

There are two further changes to the side. CJ Stander comes in for Josh van der Flier on the flank, while Keith Earls replaces Andrew Conway on the wing. Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson are also fit enough to return on the bench.

Ireland got their campaign off to a winning start with a 32-9 win over the Welsh at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in the first ever game of the new competition.

Read More

Willis out but Ford returns as England name camp for Ireland clash

Ford return against Ireland can help England rediscover attacking edge