New Rugby Paper Roundup: England v Ireland –English response or Irish statement? ft Pat McCarry

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby writer Pat McCarry to preview a huge Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.

England‘s 12-match unbeaten run is over. Grand Slam hopes are gone. Suddenly, Steve Borthwick’s side are under pressure again after their Murrayfield setback.

But Ireland arrive wounded too – facing questions about decline, selection calls and long-term direction under Andy Farrell.

We break down whether Scotland was just a blip for England – or a deeper warning sign – and examine Borthwick’s selection shake-up, including Tom Curry’s return, Henry Pollock’s first Test start and changes in the midfield and back three.

On the Irish side, Jack Crowley replaces Sam Prendergast as part of five changes, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong back, Josh van der Flier restored, and Caelan Doris shifting to No.8.

Is the fly-half debate becoming a distraction?

And is the ‘ageing Ireland’ narrative fair – or media overreaction? We also reflect on Maro Itoje‘s 100th cap – where does he rank among modern England forwards – and ask the big question: who needs this more?

We cover

Murrayfield hangover – reality check or exposed flaws?

Form vs reputation in England’s selections

Ireland’s leadership core under scrutiny

Tactical battle: territory v multi-phase pressure

Breakdown war – Curry v Ireland’s back row

Title implications heading into Super Saturday

Plus, quick previews of

Wales v Scotland – buoyant visitors against crisis-hit hosts

⁠France v Italy – two years on from that 13-13 drama, can this one stay competitive?

Final call: Twickenham response or Irish resurgence?

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Our weekly Rugby Paper Roundup has moved from The Rugby Paper Podcast YouTube channel and will now be airing on the Rugby Analyst YouTube channel.

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