By Luke Delaney

Following Ireland’s 27-24 win over the Scots on Sunday, Andy Farrell’s men could turn a mixed campaign into a encouraging one if they were to get a result over the English this weekend.

There were many positives to take from the victory over Scotland , with some good attacking moves put on show by Ireland’s backs and Paul O Connell’s expertise at the lineout being clearly evident with the Irish winning 6 out of 8 of Scotland’s lineouts.

The cause for concern seems to be the form of Leinster winger James Lowe, whose missed tackle on Huw Jones led to Scotland’s first try and gave them an opening to get back into the game.

With many pundits and former players calling for Lowe to be dropped for the game against England , the Irish head coach didn’t seem to worried when asked about the form and defensive troubles of Lowe when asked about his performance at the weekend. “We have to keep educating them about what international football is all about.” said Andy Farrell after the victory at Murrayfield.

Ireland without a doubt have options to replace Lowe with Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale returning from injury and Leinster’s Jordan Larmour will definitely be in line to start against the English to try and stop Anthony Watson and co from carving through Ireland’s left wing.

Following two disappointing losses against Wales and France , it looked as if this campaign was going to be one to forget for Andy Farrell and Ireland but after seeing some glimpses of what Ireland could be like in this new era , a win against England would definitely show some of the progress that is being made under Andy Farrell.

Another cause for concern has to be Ireland’s game management. Ireland found themselves 24-10 up with just over twenty minutes to go but as soon as Scotland restarted , it was clear nerves were starting to kick in throughout the team. This could be down to the lack of confidence around the Irish team after seeing themselves throw away the lead to Wales in the opening game of the campaign.

Despite Farrell blooding many new players this campaign, there is still enough quality and experience throughout the side to see the game through. After Jonathan Sexton’s penalty in the final few moments to put Ireland 27-24 up after Scotland’s fight back , Ireland kept opting to kick the ball rather than holding onto possession for the final few seconds of the game.

Scrum half Jamison Gibson Park was guilty of this on many occasions as he opted to go for the box kick to clear even with just less than a minute on the clock. If Scotland had gone onto to score from that there is no doubt that questions over Farrell and Irelands game management would definitely be asked.

With both Garry Ringrose and James Ryan being ruled out for the clash against the English, it means we won’t be able to see the clash between what looks to be the two Lions starting second rows against each other.

Maro Itoje has thrived against Ireland in recent years and the concussion to James Ryan will be a huge loss to Ireland. Iain Henderson is likely to be partnered by either Tadhg Beirne or young Ryan Baird who made a great impact off the bench against Scotland when he replaced Ryan. Stopping Itoje having an influence on the weekends game is vital to Ireland’s hopes of beating England.

Bundee Aki looks set to make his first Six Nations start of the campaign in place of Ringrose and will hope to replicate his form of the 2018 season to give Ireland any chance of turning over the defending champions.