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Uncapped duo in Ireland team to face England

London - Uncapped duo Stuart McCloskey and Josh van der Flier were named in Ireland's side to play England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday as the defending champions looked to revive their campaign.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt made five changes to the starting team beaten 10-9 by France last time out, with powerful centre McCloskey picked in place of injured Ulster team-mate Jared Payne, while Van der Flier comes in for Sean O'Brien (hamstring) at openside flanker.

Keith Earls starts on the left wing in place of the sidelined Dave Kearney, with lock Donnacha Ryan taking over from concussion victim Mike McCarthy in the second row.

But there was better news for Ireland at tighthead prop, with the experienced Mike Ross fit again following hamstring trouble.

Ireland, bidding for a third straight title, have yet to win in this season's Six Nations after opening their campaign with a 16-16 draw at home to Wales.

Ireland

15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Keith Earls; 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray; 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 CJ Stander; 5 Devin Toner, 4 Donnacha Ryan; 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best (capt), 1 Jack McGrath

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Ultane Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Simon Zebo

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