The Gloucester back-row replaces Harlequins’ Tom Guest at number eight, while Stuart Hooper, who captained the Saxons in their opening pool win over Argentina Pumas, is back in the second row after sitting out last weekend’s 56-17 thrashing of USA.

Former England fly-half Shane Geraghty has recovered from a groin strain and takes his place on the bench.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "There have been some difficult selection decisions. I have been delighted with all the players and how they have responded and it says a tremendous amount about the character in the squad.

“For us it's a massive challenge - we respect Ireland A with the quality of players and management they have over here.

“We have some young players and some very experienced Premiership players and our challenge has been to mould then into a team and produce performances we are proud of.

“We have had two tough games in which we have leant a lot about the players and ourselves on the journey, and I'm sure we will learn a lot more come Sunday.

“But whatever the outcome, rest assured they are a committed group of players who will do their best and be proud to represent England in the final.”