Kyle Sinckler v Tadhg Furlong – prop contest central to England-Eire fixture

Rugby’s pre-eminent tighthead prop and a revered challenger to his throne will face off at Twickenham on Saturday when Kyle Sinckler and Tadhg Furlong collide in a Guinness Six Nations conflict between England and Eire.

The 2 sides are France’s closest challengers within the race for the title and this weekend’s assembly may have a major bearing on each groups’ campaigns.

Right here, the PA information company examines a contest that can assist form the end result of the conflict.

Kyle Sinckler – Bristol and England

Place: Tighthead propAge: 28Caps: 50Lions caps: 6 (6 as a alternative)Debut: v South Africa, 2016Height: 6’0”Weight: 18st 9lbsPoints: 10 (Tries 2)

Sinckler reached a half century of caps towards Wales in spherical three and, if he continues to develop his sport, he might emerge as England’s best tighthead prop. Sinckler’s scrummaging stays a piece in progress however has grown considerably since making his debut in 2016, whereas maturity has introduced with it a extra measured temperament in comparison with the rookie entrance row with a brief fuse. His factors of distinction, nevertheless, are his athleticism and dealing with. A strong service at shut quarters, Sinckler may decide sharp traces, along with his tempo sweeping him previous defenders. England additionally use his comfortable fingers to good impact and Sinckler is each inch the fashionable prop.

Tadhg Furlong – Leinster and Eire

Place: Tighthead propAge: 29Caps: 55Lions caps: 6 (6 begins)Debut: v Wales, 2015Height: 6’0”Weight: 19st 8lbsPoints: 25 (Tries 5)

If Sinckler typifies the fashionable prop, then Furlong is its archetype. It’s remarked in Eire that Furlong is a fly-half trapped in a prop’s physique and there are few forwards – by no means thoughts entrance rows – along with his talent set. He operates as a distributor for Eire, along with his timing and precision giving his sport an additional dimension that has turn into more and more influential. However for all his ball-playing instincts, the British and Irish Lions’ first-choice tighthead for the final two excursions isn’t any present pony. His work price is excessive and he’s a go-to service at shut quarters, in addition to in barely wider channels. Sealing his standing as the perfect quantity three on this planet are his rock strong scrummaging and presence across the ruck.