Byrne starts as Ireland make four changes for England game

Ross Byrne will start at fly-half in one of four changes to the Ireland team for Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup showdown with England at Twickenham.

Byrne replaces captain Johnny Sexton, who sustained a hamstring injury in the first match of the tournament against Wales last Friday.

Second row James Ryan takes over as skipper for the first time, while CJ Stander returns at blindside flanker and Peter O'Mahony will don the number seven shirt, with Caelan Doris selected at number eight.

Centre Bundee Aki replaces the injured Robbie Henshaw following the 32-9 win over Wayne Pivac's struggling Wales side, partnering Chris Farrell.

Jamison Gibson-Park retains his starting role at scrum-half, so Conor Murray will be on the bench once again for the clash with the Six Nations champions, who thrashed Georgia 40-0 last weekend.

Hugo Keenan gets the nod at full-back, with James Lowe and Keith Earls keeping their places on the wings.

#TeamOfUsChanges and a new captain, here's the details on the Ireland team. #ENGvIRE #ShoulderToShoulder #AutumnNationsCup https://t.co/tXfcTcXDQE
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 18, 2020

Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Quinn Roux, James Ryan (captain), CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Ed Byrne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Will Connors, Conor Murray, Billy Burns, Jacob Stockdale.