Ireland vs England Predictions - Tight contest expected in Dublin

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 31 Jan 2025

Marc Thomas 31 Jan 2025

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Ireland seeks a Six Nations three-peat post 2023-24 wins.
Sam Predergast to steer Ireland at No. 10.
England's Cadan Murley debuts; Itoje as captain.
England to get within the 7.5 handicap.

Expired

England vs South Africa rugby november 2024

England can upset the odds in Dublin (Getty images)

Ireland vs England Preview

Ireland have not been convincing at home recently, winning narrowly against Argentina and Australia while losing to New Zealand in November 2024. Engalnd beat the Irish at home last season, so I feel this could be a very tight call.

Ireland vs England Preview
Head to Head
Ireland Form
Ireland Injuries & Team News
England Form
England Injuries & Team News

Ireland have won 4 of their last 5 matches against England.
Ireland have won 22 of their last 23 home matches.
England have lost 3 of their last 4 matches.
England won their last match against Ireland by 1 point.

Head to Head

England won the last time these two sides met in the Six Nations. However, Ireland won the four meetings prior to that.

Ireland Form

Ireland are going for an unprecedented three-peat of the Six Nations after winning in 2023 and 2024. This season promises to be much tougher though, especially given the improvements other sides have made.

Last season during the Six Nations, Ireland only suffered one defeat and that came at the hands of England at Twickenham. They went on to draw a series in South Africa 1-1 thanks to a last-minute drop goal in the second game.

In November, Ireland looked out of sorts, losing 23-13 to New Zealand at home. That was their first defeat on home soil in 19 games. They bounced back to beat Argentina by three points, Fiji comfortably and Australia by three.

However, against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia, Ireland didn’t not look their dominant selves. They will need vast improvement if they are to get over the line this time.

Ireland Injuries & Team News

It is important to note that Ireland will be under the leadership of coach, Simon Easterby as Andy Farrell has to start preparing for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia later this year.

In the big selection news, Sam Predergast has won the race to the number 10 jersey ahead of Jack Crowley. Joe McCarthy has also been ruled out of this encounter, another blow for Ireland.

England Form

England are certainly improving after a woeful 2023, despite making it to the World Cup semi-final. Inconsistency is still a huge problem for what is a relatively young squad.

Last season during the Six Nations, England finished third, beating Ireland, Italy and Wales. They also suffered a narrow defeat in Paris to France.

During their tour to the Southern Hemisphere, England narrowly lost both games in New Zealand, which was quite promising. However, in the November internationals on home soil, the inconsistency kicked in again.

England last by two points to New Zealand before throwing away a healthy lead to lose 42-37 to Australia. A third successive defeat followed when England lost 29-20 to South Africa before ending 2024 on a high with a 59-14 victory over Japan.

England Injuries & Team News

Harlequins wing, Cadan Murley will make his debut for England with Maro Itoje taking over the captaincy. Freddie Steward retains the 15 jersey after an impressive performance against South Africa in November.

Verdict

Ireland v England

England are backed to get inside the 7.5 handicap.

England +7.5

Handicap

@-109.89 - 4 Units

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