Head coach Declan Kidney has retained the side that toppled France and Italy in the opening two rounds of the championship - victories that have planted Ireland at the top of the table.

Paddy Wallace, who required stitches to an eye wound sustained against the Azzurri, has once again held off the challenge of Gordon D'Arcy at inside centre.

The only change to the 22 comes on the bench where Mick O'Driscoll replaces Malcolm O'Kelly, who was omitted from the extended squad announced on Sunday.

Kidney said: "We went through the whole team selection. The team are training so well and we took that into account.

"The lads who came on as subs in the first two matches have put their hands up, as have the guys on Magners League duty at the weekend.

"Second row is probably one of the most sought-after positions in the set-up.

"Mick had been going well prior to getting the shoulder injury and he played very well in the Magners League on the weekend, so I felt he deserved his chance.

"I'm sure Malcolm will force his way back into the side."

Prop John Hayes will equal the Irish record of 92 appearances held by O'Kelly while captain Brian O’Driscoll will win his 91st cap.

England were trounced 43-13 on their last and only visit to Croke Park and are not expected to derail Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions on Saturday.

Ireland team to play England in the RBS 6 Nations at Croke Park on Saturday, February 28 (kick-off 5.30pm):

R Kearney (Leinster); T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), P Wallace (Ulster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), T O'Leary (Munster); M Horan (Munster), J Flannery (Munster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: R Best (Ulster), T Court (Ulster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), P Stringer (Munster), G D'Arcy (Leinster), G Murphy (Leicester).