England boss Brian Ashton has again underlined his fearless selection streak by throwing 23-year-old Harlequins wing Strettle in at the deep end as the world champions put their unbeaten RBS 6 Nations record on the line.

Ashton could have promoted substitute back Mathew Tait, or looked at experienced pair Mark Cueto and Ben Cohen as options.

But Strettle has won the head coach's vote just six months into his first season of Premiership rugby after Robinson failed to recover from a neck injury he sustained in training on Wednesday.

Ashton said: 'David Strettle is a lad on form, who is scoring tries. He has got pace, good feet and is a tremendous finisher.

'Speaking to people like Jim Mallinder (England Saxons coach), he says David is someone who remains unflustered on big occasions, and that will certainly help him here.

'I have no qualms about picking young players and new players, as I've shown recently with Olly Morgan and Nick Easter.'

Warrington-born Strettle, who played rugby league in junior school and was a good enough teenage soccer prospect to attract Manchester City's attention, joined Quins at the start of this season from Rotherham.

He has scored nine tries in 14 games for Quins, and featured in England Saxons colours against Italy A and Ireland A earlier this month, He also helped England land a fourth successive Hong Kong Sevens title last year.

Strettle said: 'It will be a baptism of fire, but it is going to be superb.

'Obviously, I will be nervous - I don't know many players who don't get nervous before games - but it is a case of trying to keep those nerves under control.

'It is fantastic to get your first cap, and the fact it will be at Croke Park makes it a bit special.

'Playing for my club, the England sevens team and the Saxons has played a big part in me getting into the England squad and now making my debut.

I see all of those experiences as part of the build-up to the really big days, and Saturday is definitely one of those.'