Joe Schmidt set to send strong Ireland team to Twickenham

Joe Schmidt is expected to send over a strong Irish side for Saturday's last of four warm-up games before the World Cup, against the hosts, England, at Twickenham.

The selection, to be confirmed about lunchtime on Thursday, is likely to be a full-on team containing the bulk of those who started Ireland’s Six Nations matches last season.

Unsurprisingly, it doesn't appear as if Cian Healy will be risked. As a result, 22-year-old Tadhg Furlong, who made his debut off the bench last week in his usual position of tighthead prop, will provide cover for loosehead Jack McGrath this week.

Rory Best, rested since his sole appearance as a replacement in the opening warm-up game away to Wales, is in line to start along with Mike Ross. This will reunite the front row which started all bar the last game of the Six Nations, against Scotland, when Healy returned to the starting line-up.

Toner returns

As was the case that day, Devin Toner is also expected to rejoin Paul O'Connell in the secondrow, with Seán O'Brien restored to the backrow alongside Peter O'Mahony and Jamie Heaslip.

The backline is set to have a strong look too. Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Johnny Sexton, Simon Zebo and Conor Murray all need more game time before the World Cup opener against Canada in a fortnight's time.

Ireland possible team v England: R Kearney; Bowe, Payne, Henshaw, Zebo; Sexton, Murray; McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, O'Connell, O'Mahony, O'Brien, Heaslip. 
Replacements: Cronin, Furlong, White, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Madigan, D Kearney.