Shane Geraghty and Phil Dowson reprise their roles from the 2009 Churchill Cup, taking their places at fly half and number eight respectively.

A surprise selection is that of Jon Clarke, who has been rewarded for his excellent form thus far this season with a place on the bench. It is Clarke's first call-up to the Saxons since 2005/06.

Tom Wood, whose signing was announced by the Saints earlier this week, will make his Saxons debut on the blind side flank. Other Saxons debutants include scrum-half Ben Youngs and lock Dave Attwood.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says that the Saxons camp is in good spirits ahead of their match at The Rec.

"We are really looking forward to Sunday," he said. "We have a young squad full of quality players and a good mix of experience. I'm sure they will rise to a challenging Ireland A squad."

ENGLAND SAXONS TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND 'A'
Friendly
The Rec
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
Kick off 2:00pm
15 Alex Goode (Saracens)
14 David Strettle (Harlequins)
13 Dominic Waldouck (London Wasps)
12 Brad Barritt (Saracens)
11 Noah Cato (Saracens)
10 Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1 Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby)
2 David Paice (London Irish)
3 Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester Rugby)
4 Dave Attwood (Gloucester Rugby)
5 George Skivington (London Wasps, captain)
6 Tom Wood (Worcester Warriors)
7 Andy Saull (Saracens)
8 Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)

Replacements:
16 Tom Mercey (Saracens)
17 Rob Webber (London Wasps)
18 Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
19 Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby)
20 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
21 Jon Clarke (Northampton Saints)
22 Miles Benjamin (Worcester Warriors)

Tickets are still available for the match. For more information call 0844 448 1865.