Whatever the stakes we have to beat England- Heaslip

A Grand Slam and a Triple Crown may have eluded Ireland this season, but a full blooded contest between the two nations is being predicted this weekend when they meet at Twickenham by Naas native and Guinness Rugby Ambassador Jamie Heaslip.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Mar 2012, 11:18 BST

Sean O’ Brien has been recalled to the Ireland team in the only change in personnel. The Carlow native replaces Peter O’ Mahoney in an otherwise unchanged squad with Eoin Reddan and Donnacha Ryan again playing in the absence of injured duo Conor Murray and Paul O’Connell.

Rory Best has overcome a slight rib problem and captains the side in the absence of O’Connell.

IRB ranking points, national pride or a second place finish on points in this years championship were all Ireland can hope for but England have an outside chance of winning the title.

To do that they need Wales to lose and a big winning margin on St. Patrick’s Day. Kildare native Heaslip says Ireland are keen to finish their campaign on a winning note this weekend.