Andy Farrell insists that Ross Byrne deserves his chance to shine on the tough Twickenham stage.
The Ireland boss has picked Johnny Sexton's understudy at provincial and Test level for only his second Ireland start in the Autumn Nations Cup clash with England.
Billy Burns made a decent debut as Sexton's replacement in the win over Wales last Friday but, having suffered a HIA in that game, the Ulster no 10 is named on the bench.
“Ross deserves the chance," said Farrell today after naming a team with four changes.
"How do you find out about how they cope with the big occasions unless you give them a chance?
"He has been involved in some big games for Leinster and this is a chance to go to Twickenham for a big game."
Asked how the 24-year-old will deal with Farrell's own son Owen as his direct opponent, the Ireland supremo said: “I’ve no concerns whatsoever about him. He will play his own game.
"Ross will be his own guy at the weekend, everyone knows their own temperament and how he plays is very calm, cool and collected.”
Farrell also explained his reasons for selecting James Ryan as captain for the first time for the daunting London trip.
“I’ve 100% seen a curiosity in James over the last nine months,” said Farrell.
“He has matured as far as his leadership is concerned.
“Over the last couple of years everyone has talked about James being a potential captain, a potential leader for this team.
"I saw something at the start of the Six Nations where he actually started to think that 'people are talking about me this way, maybe I should do something about it’.
"He has 100% come to the fore with his curiousness and how he wants to lead.
“I have been super-impressed over the last nine months with how he handles himself, first and foremost, and how he interacts and thinks of others".
