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England make two changes for Ireland Six Nations clash

Alex Goode scores for England as he is tackled by Canterbury Crusaders' Reynold Lee-Lo at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on June 17, 2014

England have made two changes to their starting XV for the Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday. Alex Goode takes over at full-back after Mike Brown was ruled out of the potentially title-clinching game due to a bout of concussion he sustained during the 47-17 rout of Italy a fortnight ago. Jack Nowell meanwhile replaces Jonny May on the left wing for his first cap since making his five previous Test appearances during last year's Six Nations, ending a near year-long absence due to shoulder and knee injuries. May scored a superb solo try against New Zealand in November, but he wasted a three-on-one overlap against Italy and his defence has always been seen as suspect. The two changes are the first England have made during this year's Six Nations tournament. In the third and final adjustment to the match-day 23, tighthead prop Kieran Brookes is withdrawn from the bench after failing to recover from a hip flexor strain, giving Henry Thomas his first chance. "Alex is in good form for Saracens and has been training well over the last few weeks, as has Jack Nowell who is also playing well for Exeter Chiefs," head coach Stuart Lancaster said. "Both have been pushing hard for selection and I'm sure they'll seize their chance against a high quality Ireland side." The match pits the two unbeaten sides in the championship with England successful against Wales and Italy and Ireland on top against Italy and France. The loss of Brown is a particukr blow for Lancaster and England's hopes of winning the Six Nations on the way to hosting the World Cup later this year. Goode, who won the last of his 16 caps against Wales last year, lacks Brown's tenacity and physical edge, but he offers a more rounded playmaking option as he frequently fills in at fly-half for Saracens. "We've made minimal changes as we felt the squad performed well in the first two games," Lancaster said. "Chris Pennell and Manu Tuilagi will also travel. Manu has been recovering with us and it's good to keep him connected, while Chris will be a travelling reserve." Lancaster had been able to name an unchanged 23 for the victories over Wales and Italy as England made a strong start to their pursuit of the Six Nations crown. The squad departs for Dublin on Friday night as the countdown to the biggest game of the tournament continues. Title-holders Ireland start as marginal favourites to halt English momentum and both sides enter the encounter knowing that victory will offer sight of the title with two rounds remaining. England team to play France (15-1) Alex Goode; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jack Nowell; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw, James Haskell; George Kruis, David Attwood; Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Joe Marler Replacements: Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Henry Thomas, Nick Easter, Tom Croft, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees