England head coach Andy Robinson makes only one change to the starting XV and three changes to the bench.
22 year-old Bath prop Matt Stevens makes his debut in England's starting line up at tight head prop, with fellow Bath prop Duncan Bell on the bench.
Stevens, who has been in great form for Bath in the Zurich Premiership, earned his first two England caps last summer against the All Blacks in New Zealand and is part of England's 30 man squad for the RBS 6 Nations championship.
Robinson commented that Stevens' debut in the starting XV was well deserved. "I'm thrilled for Matt and am confident he will grasp this opportunity and make his mark against Ireland.
"He has impressed in training and has been building up to this for some time now."
As well as Duncan Bell coming onto the bench, two Leicester Tigers players have also been brought in by the head coach - centre Ollie Smith and fly half Andy Goode.
Robinson added: "All three players have shown outstanding form of late, most recently in the England A win against France A and for their club. Selection beckons when players demonstrate such consistent ability.
"This game against Ireland will be massive. We recognise it's a must-win game for us this season."
England confirmed that Sale Sharks prop Andrew Sheridan was not considered for selection because of a cut he received when playing last Friday to the back of his ankle.
ENGLAND
15 Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks) ©
14 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
13 Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
12 Olly Barkley (Bath)
11 Josh Lewsey (London Wasps)
10 Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks)
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers)
1 Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers)
2 Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints)
3 Matt Stevens (Bath)
4 Danny Grewcock (Bath)
5 Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers)
6 Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
7 Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
8 Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers)
Replacements:
16 Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks)
17 Duncan Bell (Bath)
18 Steve Borthwick (Bath)
19 Andy Hazell (Gloucester)
20 Matt Dawson (London Wasps)
21 Andy Goode (Leicester Tigers)
22 Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers)
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