Caelan Doris makes no bones about England star Ireland will target

Captain Caelan Doris says Ireland must put targeted pressure on Henry Pollock in an attempt to take control of a tantalising back-row battle against England.

Pollock will make his first international start during Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown at Allianz Stadium Twickenham after being selected at number eight, alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl.

Ireland number eight Doris will be flanked by recalled duo Tadhg Beirne and Josh van der Flier in south-west London as his side seek to build on last weekend’s nervy 20-13 win over Italy.

Asked how to nullify 21-year-old Pollock, Doris replied: “(By) cutting out time and space as much as possible.

“He’s got the ability to make something happen from not a whole lot, so we’re going to need to pressure him.

Six Nations

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

France

2

2

0

0

10

2

Scotland

2

1

1

0

6

3

England

2

1

1

0

5

4

Italy

2

1

1

0

5

5

Ireland

2

1

1

0

4

6

Wales

2

0

2

0

0

“As a back row, they’ve got a lot of breakdown threats, but also the ability with ball in hand to make something happen so it’s going to a good battle there.”

Pollock, whose previous seven Test caps came as an impact replacement, was a team-mate of many of Ireland’s squad during last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Leinster skipper Doris missed that series due to a shoulder injury sustained in his province’s 37-34 Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton last May in which Pollock was among the opposition’s try scorers.

“I’d seen quite a bit of him (before that match),” Doris said.

“He’s obviously scored a lot of very good tries. He’s had some big moments and I’m sure he’ll be hoping to do the same tomorrow.

“For us it’s about putting him under pressure as much as possible, cutting out time where possible, and being connected around him.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made five personnel changes to his starting XV, with the decision to start Jack Crowley at fly-half and drop Sam Prendergast from the matchday squad the standout call.

Crowley, who has Ciaran Frawley providing back-up on the bench, enjoyed an impressive cameo against Italy following a difficult afternoon for Prendergast.

“The 10 has a big part in leading the attack during the week – Jack’s been great at doing that this week,” the 27-year-old forward said.

“He’s an exciting attacking runner. He was very good last week when he came on and brought another level to our attack so I’m excited to see him with ball in hand and making things happen tomorrow.”

Ireland returned to winning ways in unconvincing fashion against the Azzurri after beginning the tournament with an emphatic 36-14 loss away to reigning champions France.

England, meanwhile, suffered a Calcutta Cup upset at the hands of Scotland in round two following a routine victory over Wales, having been tipped to be the greatest threat to Les Bleus’ hopes of retaining the championship title.

Ireland have won five of the past six meetings between the sides, but are regarded as underdogs this time around.

“There’s always enough motivation playing against England,” Doris added.

“There’s an eagerness to hunt them down, to get after them, to show what we’re about.

“We feel there’s an ability and plenty of potential within the team. We want to show as much of that tomorrow as possible.”