Ireland are firmly back in the Six Nations race after an epic record win over England at Twickenham. A five try haul and 20 point trashing of the fiercest rival is never a bad thing, especially in their own back yard.

It also means that Ireland are firm favourites to claim a fourth Triple Crown in five years, and rejoin France inside the top two; but with Wales and Scotland lying in wait. Ireland have a rest week now to take a deep breath, and look to finish on an equal high… if that’s possible. 

As we look to park that famous result, here’s an Ireland 23 we would like to see when they return to action after the rest week. 
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings: Inspired Ireland Humiliate Abject England At Twickenham
Here is our Ireland 23 to take on Wales

5 February 2026; Michael Milne, left, and Dan Sheehan of Ireland after the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Front Row: Michael Milne, Dan Sheehan, Tom Clarkson

Two changes on either side of the scrum to start things off as Michael Milne and Tom Clarkson come in. Munster prop Milne had an explosive cameo off the bench in Paris, but has been out of favour since. A recall in Dublin, alongside Sheehan and Clarkson, would help Ireland bring even more dynamism in the tight exchanges. 

Jeremy Loughman has performed well this Six Nations, but rotation should be sought after for the clash with the less than impressive Welsh; as is the case with Clarkson replacing Furlong in the starting side.

21 February 2026; Tadhg Beirne of Ireland takes possession in a lineout during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Lock: Cormac Izuchukwu, Tadhg Beirne

Another switch in the second row now in order to see if Ireland can continue on the front foot. Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu is as explosive with ball in hand as he is disruptive at lineout time. Partnering him with Munster captain Beirne would give Ireland set-piece solidity, attacking output, and decent defensive numbers too.

14 February 2026; Ireland players James Ryan, right, Jack Conan, left, and Nick Timoney, behind, during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Back-Row: Caelan Doris (capt), Nick Timoney, Jack Conan

Changes number five and six come in the back row at openside and number eight. Ulster flanker Nick Timoney has had three excellent performances from the bench in recent weeks, and deserves a shot to push Josh van der Flier, who was excellent in Twickenham, for a starting berth.

Lions number eight Jack Conan missed round three due to illness, but would look at home in this all action pack build. Captain Caelan Doris was also imperious against England, and could make it four starts in three shirts that would really highlight his versatility.

21 February 2026; Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland, right, celebrates after scoring his side’s first try during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Half-Back: Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Crowley

Do not change a winning formula has been the Farrell mantra for so long now, so why deviate? The performances of Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley were instrumental in Ireland gallivanting across London with a speed and swagger.

Recommended

There is a case to be made to re-integrate Craig Casey or Sam Prendergast, or to add Nathan Doak or Harry Byrne to the fold; but right now, it feels like they should ride the crest of this particular wave.

Centre: Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne

If there is a better centre in this Six Nations than Stuart McCloskey… we have not seen it yet. The Ulster legend has been on a generational run, capped with probably his greatest ever game last time out.

Garry Ringrose was heavily strapped up in Twickenham and both him, and Ireland, could benefit in giving the 31-year-old an extra week of rest, and handing Jamie Osborne a second test start in midfield, the last of which beside McCloskey in Georgia last summer.

21 February 2026; Ireland players Robert Baloucoune, left, and Stuart McCloskey after their side’s victory in the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Back-Three: Tommy O’Brien, Jacob Stockdale, Robert Baloucoune.

Rounding out the side with two more changes, and more firepower out wide. Robert Baloucoune produced a performance for the ages on both sides of the ball and should, and will, be backed to start against Wales. Meanwhile Tommy O’Brien found his form again and is the front runner to replace James Lowe, who went off with a non-contact injury.

This paves the way for the return of Jacob Stockdale at full-back. The Ulster man has impressed in that role for his province of late, and will be keen to make do on a chance if given one.

Replacements:

Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Tadhg Furlong, Edwin Edogbo, James Ryan, Nathan Doak*, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose. 

There are two marquee switches we would like to see to the bench with Tom Stewart and Nathan Doak winning tournament and Irish debuts respectively. Both players have been excellent for Ulster and would benefit from a cameo.

Elsewhere there are returns for Edwin Edogbo and Sam Prendergast on a 5/3 bench. Edogbo will need to get minutes if Ireland see him as a vital option going forward, while this is the perfect game to bring Prendergast back in.

Ireland host Wales on Friday March the 6th, hoping to keep pace with France and Scotland at the business end of the table. If Ireland win their remaining games, it will be silverware and at least a top two spot for a team ‘in transition’.