Heavyweight clash.

Head coach Eddie Jones says he is “very happy” with his England squad for next month’s huge Six Nations opener with defending champions Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Jones has been able to call upon a number of players who missed their November series, including the likes of Billy and Mako Vunipola, as well as Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell who scored a try on his return this past weekend.

The Australian has also called up a number of uncapped players including Dan Robson, Ollie Thornley and Jack Singleton, and has included injury-prone centre Manu Tuilagi who has been fighting fit for a number of weeks now.

To beat Ireland, who Jones says are the “best side in the world” right now after their historic win over the All Blacks back in November, England must “compete brutally in all the contest areas of the game“ according to the head coach.

“We are very happy with the squad and have a number of players who have come back from long-term injury,” said England boss Eddie Jones.

“We are looking forward to getting across to Portugal and having a good ten-day preparation for the Ireland game.”

“Ireland are the best side in the world. They are a very well coached and drilled side and have particular things they do well in the game.”

“To beat Ireland, we need to compete brutally in all the contest areas of the game.”