Old rivals.

England head coach Eddie Jones says the Six Nations squad he selected this week was picked with one sold purpose in mind – defeat the current champions Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin next month.

Jones named a panel of 35 players this week in what he calls the “strongest squad” he’s selected since taking over as England boss back in 2015. Jones is without the likes of Chris Robshaw, Anthony Watson and co-captain Dylan Hartley, but has been bolstered by the return of Billy and Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Jack Nowell.

The Australian says England “specifically” want to beat Ireland

“We specifically want to beat Ireland,” he said.

“The squad we have here is just a squad to play against Ireland – it is not a Six Nations squad. It is a squad to play against Ireland.”

“They are a good team and deserve all the praise they’ve been getting. They have a number of exceptional players in their team, a very methodical game plan that maximises the strength of their team.”

“We need players at their absolute best, chomping at the bit and for that they need to be hungry. I’ve got a pretty good idea of my best 15.”