Manu Tuilagi prepares for huge injury comeback as England make their final tweaks in captain's run before Six Nations opener against Ireland Manu Tuilagi to make first England start since 2014 against Ireland in Six Nations England went through captain's run ahead of their tournament opener in Dublin Tuilagi will partner Henry Slade at centre while Billy Vunipola also returns By James Ayles For Mailonline Published: 12:46 GMT, 1 February 2019 | Updated: 12:58 GMT, 1 February 2019 Viewcomments Manu Tuilagi underwent final preparations ahead of making his first Six Nations start since 2013 in England's tournament opener against Ireland on Saturday. The in-form Leicester centre took part in the captain's run as England's squad ran through drills and exercises in front of head coach Eddie Jones before their tournament opener. Tuilagi has been plagued by injury since last starting for England in defeat by New Zealand in 2014, making just two appearances as replacement. Centre Manu Tuilagi will make his first Six Nations start since 2013 against Ireland in Dublin Having recovered from a thumb operation, Owen Farrell will lead England out as captain Eddie Jones has backed Tuilagi to fill the shoes of the injured Worcester centre Ben Te'o Yet, with Ben Te'o injured, the Samoa-born back has been offered the chance to resurrect his international career against the reigning Six Nations champions. They face a difficult task to beat the team who inflicted upon them a first Twickenham defeat in two-and-a-half years in the final game of last year's tournament. That victory ensured Ireland would scoop the Grand Slam, and they remain heavy favourites both to retain their title and achieve greatness at the WorldCup later this year. In the absence of injured co-captain Dylan Hartley, Jamie George will start as hooker Joe Launchbury was retained in the squad despite not being included in the match-day 23 Henry Slade retains his place from the Autumn internationals and partners Tuilagi in midfield Jones insists he is under no illusions over the task ahead of his team as they faceJoe Schmidt's side. 'Ireland are the best in the world at the moment and everyone is writing them up, but praise can make you weak,' said Jones. 'They have to carry that expectation round and we're excited about the prospect of playing there. 'The boys are fit, they're together, they're serious but they've got a smile on their face. They're good to go and they want to make England proud.' Elliot Daly (L) will start at 15 with Chris Ashton (C) on the bench and Mike Brown (R) a reserve Forwards coach Steve Borthwick takes an active role in the session as he tackles Maro Itoje Billy Vunipola will start at No 8 for England after recovering from a series of arm injuries Despite Ireland's reputation growing with an unbeaten Autumn international series - including victory over New Zealand - Jones believes his side are confident of securing a win. 'We never think we're not better than the opposition. I'd hate to go into a game thinking we weren't better than the opposition, that we need surprises or tricks to win the game. 'We don't need that. We want Ireland to be at their absolute best, we want to be at our best and then for the best team to win. 'Everyone expects Ireland to win. We believe that we can win. We know we can win.' The squad are put through their paces with the Six Nations opener just one day away Itojoe is set to resume a partnership with Saracens team-mate George Kruis in the second row Jones issues instructions to his forwards as they run through drills at UCD Sports Complex The Six Nations will be seen as a key indicator of form ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility