Heaslip absence no advantage, says Lancaster

Stuart Lancaster has denied that the loss of "very intelligent player" Jamie Heaslip will hand England an edge in the pivotal Six Nations clash with Ireland.



Heaslip could miss the rest of Ireland's quest to defend their Six Nations crown, after suffering three fractured vertebrae during Saturday's 18-11 victory over France.



The 31-year-old has been sidelined for at least the next month, so will miss the tournament-defining Dublin battle against England on March 1.



France lock Pascal Pape is expected to face a hefty ban for the knee to the back that caused Heaslip's injury, but Lanca…