England vs Ireland rugby: Kick-off time, TV channel, team news and live stream free for Six Nations clash

ENGLAND host Ireland as two fancied sides battle for the right to challenge France for the Six Nations title.

Eddie Jones’ team have had a patchy campaign so far, as they were edged out by Scotland in their opening match.

GettyMarcus Smith has been England’s standout performer this Six Nations[/caption]

GettyJohnny Sexton and Ireland are in hot pursuit of France[/caption]

They then followed that up with a commanding win over Italy before grinding out a 23-19 victory against Wales.

Like England, Andy Farrell’s Ireland have two victories and one defeat so far, but they have looked more impressive than the Red Rose.

Ireland thumped Wales and Italy at home and were only narrowly beaten by France in Paris.

And England head coach Eddie Jones has made clear that he feels Ireland are favourites for the weekend’s Six Nations clash.

He said: “Ireland are favourites for the game. They’ve been in very good form [from] autumn, very settled team.

“They’re well coached by Andy Farrell. They are literally, and I say that without any hesitation, the most cohesive side in the world.”

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What time does England vs Ireland rugby kick off?

England take on Ireland on Saturday, March 12.The match kicks off at 4.45pm UK time.It takes place at Twickenham.When the sides met last year, Ireland secured a comfortable 32-18 win at the Aviva Stadium.

What TV channel is England vs Ireland on and can I live stream it?

England vs Ireland is live on ITV1 in the UK.

Coverage commences at 4.15pm, following the conclusion of Italy vs Scotland.

To stream the game live, head to the ITV Hub.

Viewers in Ireland can watch the action on RTE Two.

Can I watch England vs Ireland for free?

Yes. ITV is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.

Team news

England number eight Alex Dombrandt is a doubt for this one after testing positive for Covid.

Dombrandt no longer has to legally self-isolate, but the RFU’s own guidance says he will not be able to return to training until the middle of next week.

Sam Underhill is back in Eddie Jones’ 36-man squad for the game at Twickenham.

However, scrum-half Raffi Quirke (concussion) and lock Jonny Hill (foot) are both out.

Alex Mitchell replaces Quirke in the squad while Nic Dolly comes in for Luke Cowan-Dickie, who is injured.

That means Jamie George is likely to start at hooker, as he did against Italy.

Tom Curry is in the squad after picking up a concussion against Wales, but is understood not to have yet passed Return To Play protocols.

Injured Manu Tuilagi is unlikely to feature again in the tournament.

Iain Henderson is back for Ireland, but Jordan Larmour will miss the rest of the tournament.

Andrew Porter is out for Ireland’s final two games with an ankle injury.

Latest odds

England 11/10

Draw 14/1

Ireland 5/6

*Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, March 7