Rainey back as O'Connor starts

Coach Michael Bradley has made two changes to the Ireland side pipped 20-19 against Wales in Ebbw Vale last time out for tonight's match against England (Ravenhill, 7.30).

Michael Rainey returns at outhalf, having been a late cry-off from the Welsh game. David McAllister reverts to the bench.

Cork Constitution second row Shane O'Connor, who impressed when coming on the last day, starts ahead of Neil McComb.

The Irish can consider themselves unfortunate not to be playing for a Grand Slam in Belfast tonight. They outscored the Welsh by three tries to two, recovering from a 20-5 deficit with 20 minutes remaining. John Hearty, Keith Matthews and Richard Lane all crossed but it is the Principality who chase the slam against France this evening.

England beat France 26-25 and Italy 34-3 but were heavily beaten by Wales, 35-9, while Ireland beat Scotland, Italy and France before their Welsh reverse.

There were several excellent performances the last day, not least from Lansdowne openside Niall Ronan, club-mate John Lyne, Rory Best and Matthews in the centre. Tommy Bowe looked assured at full back.

Opposing coaches have noted the strength and technical ability of the Irish pack but in Ebbw Vale the backs demonstrated they have the confidence and capacity to score good tries when provided with the platform.

England, who will not finalise their team until just before kick-off, will present a traditional challenge of a big pack and quick backs. Ireland's last victory in this fixture was in 1999 when a Jeremy Staunton-inspired Ireland team that included Brian O'Driscoll, Geordan Murphy, Marcus Horan and Leo Cullen were convincing winners.

IRELAND: T Bowe (QUB); R Lane (UCC), B Murphy (UL Bohemian), K Matthews (UL Bohemian), J Hearty (Blackrock); M Rainey (Glasgow Hawks), F O'Loughlin (Shannon); J Lyne (Lansdowne), R Best (Belfast Harlequins), D Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins); D Gannon (UCD), S O'Connor (Constitution), C Potts (St Mary's), S Keogh (UCC, capt), N Ronan (Lansdowne). Replacements: K Corrigan ( UCD), E McGovern (Old Crescent), N McComb (Dundee HS), J Muldoon (Galwegians), C O'Loughlin (Buccaneers), D McAllister (Terenure); P O'Brien (UCC).

ENGLAND (squad): P Cook, C Daly, M Holford, A Kyriacou, M Lund, G Parling, J Pendlebury, B Russell, J Scaysbrook, M Stevens, M Thompson, C Rowland, B Woods, J Bailey, H Barrett, T Williams, S Davey, P Hodgson, C Mayor, E Spragg, C Stuart-Smith, T Taylor, E Thrower.

Referee: S Mancini (Italy).