Twelvetrees keeps England place
Head coach Stuart Lancaster today confirmed Billy Twelvetrees will start for England in Sunday’s Six Nations match against Ireland.
The former Horsham and Pulborough colt from Wisborough Green will again be paired with Brad Barritt in midfield after scoring on his debut against Scotland in last Saturday’s opener.
Manu Tuilagi, the man Twelvetrees replaced, is fit again and will start on the bench. Former Christ’s Hospital School pupil Joe Launchbury also retains his place in England’s second row.
Sunday’s match in Dublin is being billed as a clash of the two favourites for the crown after Ireland also opened with a victory over defending champions Wales.
England have not recorded a Six Nations victory in Ireland since 2003.