Gatland sticks with winning formula

Ireland coach Warren Gatland has gone with the same 22 that beat Wales last Saturday to face England.

Ireland coach Warren Gatland has gone with the same 22 that beat Wales last Saturday to face England.

Gatland conceded the selectorial meeting did not go through individual players but looked instead at other options such as impact players and players returning from injury.

Despite England’s injuries to the likes of Phil Vickery, Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio, Gatland still stated that England would be strong favourites come Saturday.

"They have great strength in depth and the players coming through to fill those positions will have an opportunity to stand up and be counted," he said.

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Gatland said he saw England as the number two side in the world behind Australia. Referring to England’s back three selection of Ian Balshaw, Dan Luger and Jason Robinson, assistant coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: "The selection doesn’t surprise me and it poses a threat of great seriousness to us."

"It would be hard to find a quicker attacking back three anywhere".

O’Sullivan was not prepared to discuss the defensive merits of the England back three, saying: "You’d have to ask Clive Woodward about that".

Ireland squad to face England:

Backs:Peter Stringer (Shannon), Guy Easterby (Llanelli), Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution), David Humphreys (Dungannon), Kevin Maggs (Bath), Brian O'Driscoll (Blackrock College), Mike Mullins (Young Munster), Denis Hickie (St. Mary's College), Shane Horgan (Lansdowne), Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College).

Forwards:Peter Clohessy (Young Munster), John Hayes (Shannon), Emmet Byrne (St. Mary's College), Keith Wood (Harlequins), Frank Sheahan (Cork Constitution), Malcolm O'Kelly (St. Mary's College), Gary Longwell (Ballymena), Mick Galwey (Shannon), Anthony Foley (Shannon), David Wallace (Garryowen), Kieron Dawson (London Irish), Eric Miller (Terenure College).