Ireland has made a decisive call at fly-half ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with England, with head coach Andy Farrell restoring Jack Crowley to the starting lineup and leaving Sam Prendergast out of the matchday 23 for the trip to Allianz Stadium.

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Crowley is one of five changes from the side that edged Italy 20-13 in Dublin last weekend, a performance that secured the result but left Farrell searching for greater control and accuracy. 

The Munster outhalf, who has 32 caps, will partner Jamison Gibson Park in the halfbacks, with Craig Casey dropping to the bench.

Caelan Doris captains the side in London, returning to his regular position at No. 8 after shifting roles in recent weeks. 

The Irish are bidding to build momentum in Round 3 and reassert themselves in the title race following their win over the Azzurri.

The back three of Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe remains unchanged, while Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue their midfield partnership. 

Crowley’s inclusion provides a fresh direction at 10, with Farrell opting for experience and game management in a fixture that repeatedly has been decided by fine margins.

“Games between the two sides have been nip-and-tuck over recent times, and there’s great familiarity and respect across both camps,” Farrell said. “We know their strengths, and our aim is to deliver the best version of ourselves to put us in a position to get the performance that we want.

“Backed by thousands of traveling Irish supporters who travel from all over the world whenever we play in Twickenham, it will be another special occasion and a challenge we’re excited to face.”

Up front, Tadhg Furlong returns to start at tighthead prop after beginning against Italy on the bench. He joins Jeremy Loughman and Dan Sheehan in the front row. 

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are retained in the second row, while Tadhg Beirne shifts to blindside flanker alongside Josh van der Flier, who returns after missing out last week.

The bench offers considerable experience, with Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Finlay Bealham, Nick Timoney and Jack Conan covering the forward unit. Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Tommy O’Brien provide backline options.

England, coached by Steve Borthwick, has made three changes following a loss to Scotland, including a first test start for No. 8 Henry Pollock. 

Maro Itoje captains the hosts in what promises to be another chapter in one of the Championship’s fiercest rivalries.

Kickoff is at 2:10 p.m. local time, with Ireland seeking a statement performance on English soil and clarity in an evolving selection at outhalf.

Ireland Lineup To Face England