Jonathan Sexton was recalled at flyhalf ahead of record points-holder Ronan O'Gara among four changes to the Ireland side to play England in the Six Nations rugby on Saturday.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney also recalled Geordan Murphy at fullback in place of the injured Rob Kearney on Tuesday as the defending champions attempt to get their campaign back on track.

Hooker Rory Best replaced the suspended Jerry Flannery and will play in the front row alongside John Hayes, who will become the first man to play 100 times for Ireland.

The other change to the team beaten 33-10 by France in the last round was the return of Donncha O'Callaghan at lock for the first time since the November win over South Africa.

Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Tomas O'Leary; Cian Healy, Rory Best, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip. Res: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Leo Cullen, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O'Gara, Andrew Trimble.

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