Just the two changes for England from the side that beat Italy. Eddie Jones had planned on just the one, but a pectoral injury to Courtney Lawes on Wednesday afternoon has ruled the lock-cum-flanker out not just of this game, but also the rest of the tournament.

Mark Wilson takes his place at blindside flanker, while Jamie George starts as he and Luke Cowan-Dickie swap hooking roles. Cowan-Dickie will add impact to a bench that could have a crucial role to play, and will look along at a new face – Leicester’s 19-year-old George Martin is a surprising inclusion as Jones again favours a six-two split. Martin can play at lock but is seen as a six, for now, and has settled in quickly to England’s camp, by all accounts, after Jack Willis’ untimely injury. He would make a debut, if he gets on, while Elliot Daly wins cap number 50 at full-back.

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 49 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 36 caps)
12. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 90 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 63 caps)
10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 74 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 64 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 56 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 41 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 45 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)
6. Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons, 20 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 30 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 58 caps)

Finishers: Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Ewels, Martin, Earl, Robson, Malins

Wayne Pivac has selected Wales’ most-capped side in history, with the welcome return of Jonathan Davies adding 82 at inside centre. He is, however, the junior partner in midfield on that front – George North brings up his century at 13. Josh Adams is back after his indiscretions at the start of the tournament to start in an exceptionally dangerous back three.

Josh Navidi is fit again and starts at six in an otherwise unchanged pack, who will be directed around by Kieran Hardy from scrum-half after he got the nod ahead of Gareth Davies.

That just about does us for coverage of Ireland’s win over Italy. Let’s turn our attentions to the Principality Stadium, where kick-off is drawing near. Let’s have a look at the teams…

I reckon that was a bit of a step back for Italy. They showed guts at time, particularly after losing a pair of front-rowers to go down to 13 men, but their attack looked more disjointed than against Englnad and they missed some of the developing chemistry between Stephen Varney (a late injury dropout) and Paolo Garbisi to get it going with greater regularity. Still, Garbisi showed his considerable attacking wares again, and given this back-row is missing two presumed starters, they continue to really impress.

They are a young side at a very early stage in their development, so the key will be to take the lessons from this afternoon, particularly in terms of being more clinical and keeping their discipline in defence.

A relative cruise in the end for Ireland, who will have taken plenty from that performance. I though the entire back-row was excellent, Tadhg Beirne getting the sponsors’ Player of the Match gong but in fine company with two-try Will Connors, who was a breakdown menace all afternoon, and the ever-influential CJ Stander. Garry Ringrose and Johnny Sexton stood out among the backs as they found flow for the first time all tournament, and I was really impressed by Ryan Baird and, particularly, Craig Casey, who added enterprise and zip from the bench to suggest the two youngsters are ready to press for further opportunities in the final two games.

A final coat of gloss from Keith Earls! Italy are flagging, badly, as Jack Conan thumps against a wall showing clear fissures. Quick ball for Craig Casey, quick transfer to Johnny Sexton and a flat fired pass across the face of the defence to free Earls, who catches, canters and calmly puts it down in the corner.

Sexton completes a perfect day from the tee, and sends us to a close.

Ireland draw a penalty but are in no mood to dilly-dally, Craig Casey taking the quick tap, and then again as Italy agaibn draw the referee’s whistle.

Italy kick possession back to Ireland, who reply in kind as the game rather drifts towards it conclusion.

That’s more ambitious from Italy as they try to go wide on the edge of their own 22, but Mattia Bellini’s pass is incredibly inaccurate – five yards forward, and out of play. Ireland will have what might well be a final attack.