Kyle Sinckler / Cian Healy: fiery experience
At 26 years and 33 caps with England, Kyle Sinckler is not really what you can call a young pillar. But the ultra-dynamic English right-hander will have all the looks on Sunday since he will be opposed to the very experienced Irishman Cian Healy. At the age of 32, 97 caps and 3 World Cups contested, the left pillar is one of the most successful players on the international scene. The first melee between Sinckler and Healy risks in any case giving the tone of a duel which promises to be brutal.
Maro Itoje / James Ryan: on the ground as in the air
This is a confrontation that could be played both in the air and on the ground. Maro Itoje (1.95m) and James Ryan (2.03m) promise to fight a merciless fight on the throws in touch to fluidize the pitches of play of their team, and rot those of the opponent. But we should also find them on the ground to fight in the rucks, the mauls, and to tackle with flying colors. Since the start of the tournament, James Ryan and Maro Itoje have been the best tacklers in Ireland and England respectively with 36 interventions each. Not that they remain so at the end of the match on Sunday, but one thing is certain: the two players should meet more than once on the field.
Manu Tuilagi / Bundee Aki: the shock at the center of the field
Lovers of licked passes, go your way. Whether on the side of Manu Tuilagi or Bundee Aki, it should be loads, percussion and big tackles rather than skipped passes and other transverse to the foot. Both aligned in the center, they should be as often the number one options for their team to strike and concentrate the defenses out of touch or melee. In two matches, Akhi was among the very best in the Tournament in terms of balls carried (25) and meters won (178). Opposite, Manu Tuilagi should not lack motivation, he was injured in the groin against France on the first day and could not play again since.
Jonny May / Jacob Stockdale: the duel of "serial-markers"
16 tries in 27 selections for Jacob Stockdale with Ireland. 29 in 54 for Jonny May in the England jersey. At Twickenham on Sunday, two of the most formidable test hunters will be opposed. Their duel in their corridor promises to make sparks and to reserve some refinements and other framing overflows. Jonny May has already shown the extent of his talent in this Six Nations Tournament by scoring two achievements during the defeat of England against France. Stockdale is still a fanny unlike his rear triangle teammates Conway and Larmour, and will in turn want to taste the joys of a test.
Farrell against ... Farrell: family duel
This match will have a special flavor for the Farrell family. Owen the son, captain and metronome of XV de la Rose, confronts Andy, the father, manager of Ireland. And on the lawn of Twickenham, we should not make gifts in this fratricidal duel, far from it. If there is anyone who knows the weaknesses of the unsinkable opener of XV de la Rose, it is Andy. Assistant coach of the Saracens between 2010 and 2012 then of England until 2015, he knows everything about a son he had at 16. And no doubt he pressed it all week in training with his third line to try to target Owen in particular.
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