England vs Ireland: Henry Pollock handed first Test start with Maro Itoje set for 100th cap in Six Nations
Henry Pollock set for first international start with captain Maro Itoje to become ninth England centurion; Tom Curry and Ollie Lawrence also start as Steve Borthwick makes three changes to England team looking to bounce back against Ireland in Six Nations after sobering Scotland defeat
Tuesday 17 February 2026 16:21, UK
Henry Pollock will make his first Test start in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland, with captain Maro Itoje poised to earn his 100th England cap.
Northampton forward Pollock, whose seven international appearances have come as a replacement, is one of three changes made by Steve Borthwick in the wake of Saturday's 31-20 defeat against Scotland.
Pollock starts at No 8 and is joined back in the starting XV by Tom Curry, who comes in at blindside flanker. Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper drop to the bench.
- Scotland 31-20 England - Reborn Scots regain Calcutta Cup
- Where did it go wrong for England in Murrayfield nightmare?
- Six Nations 2026: Fixtures and schedule | Standings
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺
England's other change sees Ollie Lawrence return at centre with Tommy Freeman shifting back to the wing in place of Tom Roebuck.
Henry Arundell retains his place on the wing after escaping a ban following his sending off at Murrayfield.
Itoje to earn 100th England cap
Captain Maro Itoje will become only the ninth player to earn 100 England caps when he leads the team out at Allianz Stadium.
"To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years," Borthwick said.
"He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."
Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith return among the substitutes, with Borthwick opting for a 6-2 split of forwards and backs.
"We're expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and we're excited for it," Borthwick added.
"We know the challenge Ireland will bring and we've selected a side that we believe has the right balance to meet it."
England team to face Ireland
Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
England's 2026 Six Nations fixtures
All times UK and Ireland
- England 48-7 Wales (Saturday February 7) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Scotland 31-20 England (Saturday February 14) - Murrayfield
- vs Ireland (Saturday February 21) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.10pm)
- vs Italy (Saturday March 7) - Stadio Olimpico, Rome (4.40pm)
- vs France (Saturday March 14) - Stade de France, Paris (8.10pm)
