The China Mail - Pollock handed first England start for Ireland visit

England's 12-game winning run came to a shuddering halt with a 31-20 defeat by Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend.

Sam Underhill, Guy Pepper and Tom Roebuck make way as Borthwick opts for a number of positional changes in response.

Pollock lines up at number eight as part of a reshaped back row that sees Ben Earl move to openside and Tom Curry come in at blindside.

Tommy Freeman moves to the wing in place of Roebuck with Ollie Lawrence making his first start of this season's Six Nations in the number 13 jersey.

All of Pollock's previous seven caps came as a replacement, but he is handed his chance to impress after England's impressive run over the past year came off the rails at Murrayfield.

Henry Arundell retains his place on the left wing after escaping a suspension for his two yellow cards against Scotland, which led to a 20-minute red card.

Captain Maro Itoje will win his 100th cap, becoming only the ninth man to reach that milestone for England.

"To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years," said Borthwick.

"We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."

Borhwick has also changed his back options off the bench as Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith replace Ben Spencer and Fin Smith.

England (15-1)

Freddie Steward; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Henry Pollick, Ben Earl, Tom Curry; Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje (capt); Joe Heyes, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

B.Carter--ThChM