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England's Tuilagi starts against Ireland in Six Nations opener

rugby31 January 2019 12:27| © AFP
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Manu Tuilagi © Getty Images

Manu Tuilagi is set to make his first England start in more than four years after being named in Eddie Jones' run-on XV to play champions Ireland in the teams' Six Nations opener in Dublin on Saturday.

The injury-plagued Leicester centre got his chance after Ben Te'o was ruled out with a side strain.

Tuilagi last started a match for England in the third test against New Zealand in June 2014.

Elliot Daly held off the challenge of Mike Brown to remain at full-back for the Aviva Stadium clash when Jones announced his matchday 23 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jones handed a recall to Jack Nowell. Having spoken about the possibility of converting the Exeter flyer into a flanker, the Australian coach selected him in his usual wing position.

But there is no doubt that England will want the defensively strong Nowell to help negate Grand Slam champions Ireland's threat at the ruck.

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