How England Should Line Up Against Ireland

England face the tough task of facing Ireland in the Aviva Stadium to kick off their 2019 Six Nations campaign. Eddie Jones' side have a few injuries to contend with but the return of the Vunipolas, the availability of Manu Tuilagi as well as the injection of a mix of inexperienced and experienced talents make for an interesting team selection in the opening game. 

We select a potential England line up to face Ireland that we think would give them their best chance of downing last season's Grand Slam Champions. 

Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler 

Tough on Ben Moon after a stellar November but when fit Mako Vunipola starts with the Saracens loosehead arguably the best loosehead in the world. 

Goerge is arguably England's best hooker and with Hartley out injured he claims the jersey. Sinckler cemented his position in the starting line up in November and should carry on in that role throughout the Six Nations.

Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury

Itoje has been in incredible form and has tied down the starting jersey in the test squad. Re-joining him is Joe Launchbury who last for England featured on tour in South Africa. 

England is spoilt for choice in the second row with Lawes and Kruis available to them but the work rate of Itoje and Launchbury will be key for England. 

Brad Shields, Tom Curry and Billy Vunipola

A tough call between Shields and Mark Wilson with the pair possessing similar skill sets and versatility.

We have gone with Shields as his link up play and offloading ability could help unlock the Irish defence. Wilson definitely makes the bench with his ability to provide cover across the back row. 

Curry will be another key player in England's success with Ireland's ability to hold onto the ball for numerous phases. His work at slowing the ball down and coming up with turnovers will be decisive. 

Vunipola like his brother is an automatic starter, he is one of the best no.8s in the game and has been in superb form since returning from injury. 

Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell

Youngs is the only capped scrumhalf in the squad and is another certain starter while Farrell is a shoo-in for a starting role and presumably in the 10 jersey.

Ben Te'o and Manu Tuilagi 

Another change up in the midfield could be key for England. Te'o can provide England with front foot ball at inside centre and was a regular in the starting line up during the November Internationals. Defensively it could be vital that he and Farrell line up at 10 and 12. 

It's still relatively unclear whether Tuilagi is better suited at 12 or 13 at test rugby but his recent form for the Tigers at 13 suggests he is most comfortable there. Another harsh call on Slade who hasn't disappointed at 13 for Eddie Jones' side. 

Elliot Daly, Chris Ashton and Mike Brown

Daly is another certainty in the England starting line up and we believe that his best position for the test side is on the wing. Whether Eddie Jones sticks with him at fullback or not is yet to be seen but Daly will do a fine job in any role he is given.

The inclusion of Brown in the starting line up is purely on how much work the back three will have to do under the high ball. Brown has one of the - if not the - safest hands under the high ball in England and would play a key role in defusing the bombs Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton put up. 

The final spot in the England back row is a difficult one to fill with Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell and Jonny May all performing well. However, Chris Ashton nabs the jersey on his return to the Six Nations. Cokanasiga misses out due to the fact that in this lineup England have two heavy ball carriers in the midfield while Nowell takes his place on the bench as he provides cover on either wing, fullback, outside centre and if Eddie Jones is serious openside flank.

Potential bench:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie

17. Ben Moon

18. Dan Cole

19. Courtney Lawes

20. Mark Wilson

21. Dan Robson

22. George Ford

23. Jack Nowell