Stuart Lancaster will watch this weekend’s Aviva Premiership action closely as he considers whether to respond to the conclusion of England’s Grand Slam dream by making changes.

The 2015 World Cup hosts were kicked into submission by Ireland in Sunday’s 19-9 Six Nations defeat in Dublin and they must now hope the Irish slip up in the final two rounds and points difference is needed to settle the title race.

Lancaster may attempt to revive England’s championship by bringing in some of the experienced personnel waiting in the wings, stating that the approaching club games will help shape his thinking.

“There are definitely decisions to be made and I’m open-minded about making some changes,” Red Rose head coach Lancaster said.

“We have players of the calibre of Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling, Tom Wood and Brad Barritt back in the equation and Mike Brown is fit.

“Selection will be based on a variety of things, one of which is their individual performances this weekend to prove they are back up to the form and quality of performances we know they can deliver.

“There are big players in there who have delivered for us in big games in the past.

“When talking about momentum and motivation, sometimes you can freshen the side up a little bit, particularly when you know you have trusted players available.”

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