Ireland play England in Dublin on the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations.
Ireland vs England
Ireland start their bid for an unprecedented hat-trick of Six Nations titles against England in Dublin on Saturday evening.
England endured a mixed 2024 campaign, mixing narrow defeats in both Edinburgh and Paris with a defeat of Ireland at Twickenham - ending the Irish hopes of consecutive Grand Slams.
England coach Steve Borthwick has made a bold selection to start the tournament, picking twins Tom and Ben Curry as the starting flankers for the first time having already replaced Jamie George as captain with Maro Itoje.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell is taking a sabbatical to coach the Lions in Australia this summer, so interim boss Simon Easterby will lead a squad still stacked talent and experience.
Saturday will mark the first time an England squad for a Six Nations match features neither Owen Farrell or George Ford since the fourth round against Italy in 2013 - the first away match since the fifth round against Ireland in 2011.
Ireland vs England Prediction
The latest betting activity through oddschecker suggests punters believe the match will be much closer than the odds would imply.
Ireland are clear favourites for the match at a best price of 2/5 on William Hill but can be found for as short as 1/3 (implied 75% chance of winning).
However, England – available for as big as 5/2 – have taken 42% of the bets in the match market through oddschecker since the start of 2025.
England marginally shade the bets in the handicap markets (most have Ireland as 5-7 point favourites), while Ireland to win by 1-12 is the most popular winning margin bet and our prediction for the match – currently available to back at 8/5 on Betfred.
Score Prediction: Ireland to win by 1-12 point margin
If you agree with our score prediction, you can get 40/1 odds for Ireland to win as a new customer of Paddy Power (use promo code YSACJN).
Alternatively, optimistic Red Rose supporters can double up and get 80/1 for an England win. In both cases, winnings will be paid in cash at normal odds, topped up to enhanced price in free bets.
Ireland vs England Lineups
England Team to Play Ireland
Steward, Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, Murley, M Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart, Itoje, Martin, T Curry, B Curry, Earl
Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Heyes, Chessum, Cunningham-South, Willis, Randall, F Smith
Ireland Team to Play England
Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham; Ryan, Beirne; Baird, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
Ireland vs England Rugby Betting Tips
Our betting tip for the match is Ireland to win by a margin of 1-12 points.
England are improved since a run of four consecutive Ireland wins between March 2021 and August 2023 by 14, 17, 13 and 19 points but Ireland should have enough to win.
Despite recent signs of improvement, since the start of the Six Nations two years ago Steve Borthwick's side have only managed three wins from 10 away matches – narrow wins against Wales and Italy, as well as a one-sided match in Japan.
