England shuffle backline for Ireland test

England coach Eddie Jones has shuffled his back three again for Sunday’s Six Nations game against Ireland, with Elliot Daly restored as fullback and Jonathan Joseph winning his 50th cap in an unfamiliar outing on the left wing.

Ben Youngs will start at scrumhalf and Manu Tuilagi returns at outside centre as Jones made four personnel changes from the team that edged past Scotland two weeks ago.

George Furbank played his first two tests against France and Scotland at fullback but was ruled out through a flare up of a long-standing hip injury.

Usually a centre, Joseph will be making his first test start on the wing at Twickenham and first in the position in any match since an outing for London Irish seven years ago.

Jonny May, England’s most impressive receiver of the high kicks Ireland are expected to rain down on Sunday, continues on the right wing.

Joseph did go on for the last 11 minutes of last year’s World Cup final as a wing replacement for May and Jones said he had no concerns about starting him there on Sunday.

“He could play 12, 13 or on the wings,” the Australian told reporters. He’s a versatile player, a great defender in space and he’s got good jumping skills.”

Courtney Lawes is named at blindside flanker with Sam Underhill at openside and Tom Curry continuing at number eight.

With Mako Vunipola absent for family reasons, Joe Marler starts at loosehead prop. Jones has again opted for six forwards on the bench.

Meanwhile, Ireland lock Iain Henderson has been ruled out of Sunday’s match due to family reasons, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.

Second row Devin Toner will start in place of Henderson, his first international start since the 69-capped forward was omitted from the Ireland squad for last year’s World Cup.

Connacht’s Ultan Dillane joins the replacements as Andy Farrell’s men hope to make it three championship wins from three at Twickenham.

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