Jack Crowley will start at fly-half for Ireland in Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England at Allianz Stadium, as Andy Farrell has made five changes to the side that lost to France a fortnight ago. The selection comes as Ireland seek to regain momentum after a series of recent defeats to higher-ranked nations.
The last time Ireland visited Allianz Stadium, in 2024, they equalled England’s Six Nations record of 11 straight wins, but ultimately fell to a 23-22 defeat. Since then, Ireland have lost six of their 20 Tests, all against teams currently ranked above them – South Africa, New Zealand, and France. Their recent 31-7 loss to France in Paris marked their heaviest Six Nations defeat in 16 years, fueling debate about a potential decline in the team’s performance.
The changes to the Irish lineup see Crowley replace the dropped Sam Prendergast at fly-half. Prendergast’s omission was confirmed by Farrell, according to Sky Sports, and represents a significant shift in the team’s strategy for the match. Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Beirne also return to the starting XV.
Ireland’s struggles against top-tier opposition have been a recurring theme. In the 12 months since defeating England in the 2025 Six Nations, they have lost to France twice, the All Blacks, and the Springboks by an aggregate of 61 points. This downturn in form has seen them slip to fifth in the world rankings, a stark contrast to their position as number one entering the 2023 World Cup.
The team has faced scrutiny regarding its age profile, scrum performance, attack, and the unsettled fly-half position. However, Ireland legend Conor Murray believes the squad is motivated to respond to recent criticism. “I think the lads are going to be a bit annoyed at the negative chat that’s surrounding the team for the past whereas,” Murray said on the Ireland Rugby Social. “There’s so many quality, world-class players and leaders in that team. I hope they just travel there and say ‘let’s go for it here, lads, we’re sick of people talking about us in a negative light, seem at the quality we have in the room.’”
England, meanwhile, are also seeking a response after their own defeat last week, a 31-29 loss to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup. A win for Ireland would retain their title hopes alive, while another loss would likely finish their chances in this year’s Six Nations. The scrum battle is expected to be a key area of contest, according to The Guardian, with both sides recognizing its importance in gaining territorial advantage.
