Henry Pollock will make his first start for England in Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland as Steve Borthwick's side attempt to rescue their tournament. Skipper Maro Itoje will win his 100th England cap, becoming the ninth man to reach that milestone as Borthwick makes five changes - three in personnel and two positional.

But Henry Arundell retains his place on the wing after escaping a ban for his red card against Scotland last Saturday. The head coach has axed wing Tom Roebuck from the 23, with Tommy Freeman shifting out wide from centre and Ollie Lawrence starting at 13.

And it is all change in the back row with Pollock starting at No.8 with Ben Earl moving to openside flanker and Tom Curry promoted from the bench.

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Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill are dropped to the bench where scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet takes over from Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith comes in for Fin Smith.

Pollock will be winning his eighth cap but has been a replacement in his first seven since making his debut with two tries against Wales in the last Six Nations.

The back row re-jig has been brought on by England's breakdown failure in the 31-20 defeat by Scotland last weekend.

Itoje joins Ben Youngs (127), Dan Cole (118), Jason Leonard (114), Owen Farrell (112), George Ford (107), Jamie George (107), Courtney Lawes (105) and Danny Care (101) in England's 100 club.

Borthwick said: "To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years.

"He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."

England's defeat at Murrayfield on Saturday derailed their 12-match winning run and put them behind the eight-ball in the title race.

After Saturday's game they travel to Rome to face Italy then head to Paris to face tournament favourites France on the final day.

England team to face Ireland

Freddie Steward; Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Arundell; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (capt), Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Henry Pollock.

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith.

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