Ireland Seeks Revenge On England After Grand Slam Heartbreak In Six Nations
Ireland Seeks Revenge On England After Grand Slam Heartbreak In Six Nations
Ireland faces England in a thrilling Six Nations opener at the Aviva Stadium. Can the champions start strong? Will England pull off another upset in Dublin?

The 2025 Guinness Six Nations kicks off with a blockbuster encounter, as reigning champion Ireland welcomes England to a sold-out Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Interim head coach Simon Easterby takes charge of his first competitive match following Andy Farrell’s departure, and he will look to maintain Ireland’s dominance at home.
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England, led by new captain Maro Itoje, arrived hoping to repeat its dramatic 2024 triumph over the Irish.
With both teams eager to start the tournament with a statement win, this promises to be a fiery contest in front of an expectant Dublin crowd.
Team News
Caelan Doris leads Ireland as captain, with Sam Prendergast handed his Six Nations debut at fly-half.
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe form an experienced back three, while Bundee Aki partners Garry Ringrose in midfield.
The pack features Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham in the front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the second row.
Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier start on the flanks, with Doris at No. 8.
England, meanwhile, fields an exciting lineup that features twin brothers Tom and Ben Curry in the back row for the first time.
Marcus Smith starts at fly-half, partnering with scrumhalf Alex Mitchell, who has recovered from injury.
Uncapped winger Cadan Murley earns a start, while Luke Cowan-Dickie starts at hooker in place of the injured Jamie George.
England's replacement bench includes six forwards, signaling a clear intent to bring physicality to Dublin.
Words From The Camp
Simon Easterby is optimistic about Ireland’s preparation, highlighting the squad’s strong training camp in Portugal.
“We’ve had a great week in Quinta do Lago, and the squad has put in a huge effort," Easterby said. "The depth of competition made selection incredibly tough, but that’s exactly what we want. We know England brings a lot of quality and physicality, so we must hit the ground running,”
England head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the challenge ahead, while expressing confidence in his squad.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of facing the tournament favorites,” Borthwick said. "We know it’ll be a tough contest against a team that’s very familiar with each other. We’ll need to work tirelessly and maintain our discipline from the first whistle to the last.
“England versus Ireland in Dublin is a huge occasion, and we’ll be ready to face it head-on.”
Key Matchup: Caelan Doris Vs. Ben Earl
Two of the most dynamic backrowers in the world go head-to-head in what could be a defining battle.
Doris, Ireland’s newly appointed captain, will be instrumental in leading from the front with his relentless ball-carrying and defensive work. His ability to link play between forwards and backs makes him a crucial asset for Ireland in both attack and defence.
A strong carrier with a high work rate, Doris will look to set the tone physically and tactically for the hosts.
Ben Earl, on the other hand, has been a revelation for England in recent seasons.
His explosive pace and ability to break tackles make him a serious threat in open play. His breakdown work is also invaluable, often disrupting the opposition ball and winning crucial turnovers.
If England is to unsettle Ireland, Earl’s influence will be key. The battle between these two powerhouse No. 8s could well dictate the flow of the game and be a decisive factor in the outcome.
Prediction
Ireland’s formidable home record in the Six Nations – just two defeats in its last 29 games at the Aviva – makes the Irish the favorites.
England will bring physicality and resilience, but the Irish squad’s experience and tactical nous should see them through. Expect a fierce battle, but Ireland will have enough firepower to secure a winning start. Ireland by 12.
Team Lineups
Ireland
Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (c).
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
England
Freddie Steward; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Cadan Murley; Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje (c), George Martin, Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Willis, Harry Randall, Fin Smith.
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