Six Nations: Big guns give Ireland a familiar look

Ireland coach Declan Kidney named an unchanged team to face England after four key players responded to treatment.

Captain Jamie Heaslip (above) has recovered from a cut leg while Gordon D’Arcy, who suffered a dead leg in the win over Wales, has also been given the all‑clear along with fellow centre Brian O’Driscoll, who needed stitches in a head wound.

Prop Mike Ross, who finished the Millennium Stadium clash with severe cramp, has satisfied the Irish medical staff he is ready for a battle with former Harlequins club mate Joe Marler in the front row.

D’Arcy and O’Driscoll will be together for the 49th time in a Test, a world record for a centre partnership, and face the new English combination of Billy Twelvetrees and Brad Barritt.

“Brian and I love defending,” said D’Arcy. “We’ve always been up against really good players over the years and have always held our own.”

Ireland were hammered 30-9 on their visit to England last season and second-row Donncha O’Callaghan is hungry for revenge.