In a massive boost to their Six Nations title hopes, England have welcomed the news that lynchpin scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been passed fit for their daunting opening clash against Ireland in Dublin this Saturday. The electric Northampton Saints halfback, who missed the autumn internationals through injury, took a full part in training on Monday and is set to be thrust straight back into the starting lineup by head coach Steve Borthwick.
Mitchell’s return is a huge shot in the arm for an England side reeling from a disappointing autumn campaign and facing the toughest of Six Nations starts away to the top-ranked team in the world. His sniping breaks, slick service and astute tactical kicking were sorely missed in November as understudies Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Spencer struggled to fill the void.
Alex is a world class operator who gives us that extra dimension and unpredictability. Having him available for Ireland is massive for us.
– England attack coach Nick Evans
Willis Set for Deserved Second Cap
In a further selection boost, powerful young No 8 Tom Willis is poised to earn just his second cap, most likely off the bench, as reward for his stellar club form for Saracens. The dynamic 26-year-old, younger brother of Toulouse flanker Jack, hasn’t featured for England since a brief cameo against Wales in a pre-World Cup warm-up back in 2023.
- Willis has been in sensational form for Premiership leaders Saracens
- His explosive ball-carrying and work-rate have made him impossible to ignore
With Alex Dombrandt side-lined, Willis now has a golden chance to force his way into Borthwick’s long-term plans and shake up England’s back row options. His head-to-head with Irish sensation Caelan Doris, should they both come off the bench, could be one for the ages.
Smith Retains Tens Jersey
At fly-half, the mercurial Marcus Smith looks set to continue in the No 10 shirt, rekindling his exciting partnership with Mitchell. The Harlequins magician endured an up-and-down autumn, with his defensive frailties exposed, but came up with some moments of genuine genius with ball in hand.
Marcus is a precocious talent with the ability to unlock any defence. With Alex back inside him pulling the strings, I’m excited to see what they can produce.
– England legend Jonny Wilkinson
With Owen Farrell still working his way back from ankle surgery, Smith will be determined to make the playmaker position his own and pull the strings for a new-look England backline. If he and Mitchell can rekindle their club chemistry at Test level, Ireland’s much-vaunted defence could be in for a torrid time.
Backline Reshuffle Dilemma
The rest of England’s backline has a familiar feel, despite Borthwick hinting at a major reshuffle in the wake of winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s injury. The Quin’s speedster, who started against South Africa and Japan in November, has undergone shoulder surgery leaving a vacancy on the left wing.
- Tommy Freeman set to continue on the right wing after a mixed autumn
- Ollie Sleightholme favorite to fill the left wing berth in Feyi-Waboso’s absence
Borthwick had mooted moving 50-cap fullback Freddie Steward to the wing and handing Marcus Smith the No 15 jersey to better utilize his attacking talents. But with Mitchell’s inclusion freeing Smith up to play his natural game at 10, the more conservative option of keeping Steward in his usual position now seems likely.
Tough Task Awaits in Dublin
Whoever Eddie Jones fields in his starting XV this weekend, they face a monumental challenge against an Ireland side that swept all before them in 2024. Andy Farrell’s slick, powerful and ruthlessly efficient outfit took the Six Nations Grand Slam in style before beating the All Blacks in an epic summer series in New Zealand.
This is the toughest start imaginable for England but that’s what you want. To be the best you’ve got to beat the best and Ireland are undoubtedly that right now.
– Former England captain Dylan Hartley
With the passionate Dublin crowd behind them and masterful half-back duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Johnny Sexton pulling the strings, Ireland justifiably start as strong favourites. But in Mitchell and Smith, England possess their own box-office backline stars capable of conjuring match-winning magic at any moment.
Prediction: Ireland to Edge Tight Tussle
While the return of Mitchell is a huge boost, overall Ireland just look to have too much firepower, cohesion and big-game knowhow. Expect a titanic tussle up front, where England’s new-look pack will look to impose themselves physically. But ultimately Ireland’s superior ball retention, tactical smarts and irresistible Johnny Sexton-led attack should prove decisive.
Prediction: Ireland 27-20 England
