Kieran Marmion will make his first Six Nations start against England at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The Connacht scrum half comes into the team as one of three changes from the side that lost to Wales.
It will be only the second time the 24 year old has worn the Irish Number 9 shirt, but he is getting used to being thrown in at the deep end.
Deployed in the unfamiliar role of the wing against Australia in November, Marmion made a number of crucial tackles to help Ireland beat the Wallabies.
His defensive performance as a replacement for Conor Murray in Cardiff last week also impressed Joe Schmidt.
The Irish coach has made a number of big calls for the Six Nations finale against the Grand Slam and record chasing England.
Devin Toner has been dropped to the bench.
Jared Payne has been handed the Irish number 15 jersey for only the third time.
Schmidt explains these decisions and his reason for not risking the influential Conor Murray.
Joe Schmidt backs @kieranmarmion & @HendersonIain to shine against @EnglandRugby. Decides not to risk @ConorMurray_9. #IRLvENG. pic.twitter.com/2Q0lCqqREk
— Today FM Sport (@todayfmsport) March 16, 2017
