England v Ireland: Teams

With their own Grand Slam aspirations in tatters, Ireland arrive at Twickenham on Saturday looking to inflict similar misery on rivals England.

Back-to-back victories over Wales and Italy have reignited belief across England that manager Martin Johnson could steer the nation towards a first Grand Slam title in seven years.

Defending RBS Six Nations champions Ireland travel to HQ with their egos bruised following a comprehensive 33-10 defeat to favourites France last time out.

The loss was described as 'demoralising' by some, a 'reality' by others and 'a kick up the ass' by centre Gordon D'Arcy.

Despite the setback in Paris, Ireland know a victory at Twickenham will keep alive their serious title ambitions, and moreover put a huge dent in England's.

Cueto doubt

Indeed England, impressive against Wales in their tournament opener, lacked ambition and attacking flair during a dour 17-12 triumph against Italy, with fly-half Jonny Wilkinson receiving a barrage of criticism.

The Toulon star has shrugged off both the criticism and a muscle complaint, and takes his place in an unchanged starting XV for the home side on Saturday.

Winger Mark Cueto has missed two days of training with a stomach bug, however the Sale man is expected to shrug off the illness in time for kick-off.

The only changes for England come on the bench - hooker Lee Mears, flanker Joe Worsley and versatile back Ben Foden - all coming into the squad.

Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has recalled experienced full-back Geordan Murphy as he attempts to strike a winning formula at Twickenham.

Other significant changes in the visitors' starting line-up see Leinster fly-half Jonathan Sexton handed his chance at number 10 at the expense of Ronan O'Gara, and Rory Best take over at hooker from the banned Jerry Flannery.

The only other alteration to the side pummelled in Paris sees Donncha O'Callaghan replace Leo Cullen at lock, with the Leinster man named as a substitute.

England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 James Haskell, 5 Steve Borthwick, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne
Replacements: 16 Lee Mears, 17 David Wilson, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 Joe Worsley 20 Paul Hodgson, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Ben Foden.

Ireland: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Shane Jennings , 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble