Six Nations: Perry to play for second string

England full-back Matt Perry will line up for the A side in Friday night's clash against Ireland at Northampton.

Perry, who has won 36 caps, has found his way to the senior team blocked, first by Iain Balshaw and then Jason Robinson.

Henry Paul will make his second successive A appearance following his debut outing in the draw with Scotland.

Saracens scrum-half Nick Walshe will captain the side and with Perry given a run-out in the second string, Wasps' versatile Josh Lewsey finds himself on the left wing.

England A coach Ged Glynn said: "This is an exciting young team. There have been one or two late decisions to be made on fitness but the players have been training hard for the match against Ireland A and are greatly looking forward to the encounter."

England A team to face Ireland A: M Perry (Bath), P Sackey (London Irish), H Paul (Gloucester), F Waters (London Wasps), J Lewsey (London Wasps), A Goode (Leicester), N Walshe (Saracens, capt); M Worsley (London Irish), A Titterell (Sale), R Nebbett (Leicester), A Brown (Bristol), T Palmer (Leeds), P Buxton (Newport), D Danaher (London Irish), A Sanderson (Sale).

Replacements: C Fortey (Gloucester), D Flatman (Saracens), A Sheridan (Bristol), S White-Cooper (Harlequins), H Charlton (Newcastle), T May (Newcastle), P Christophers (Bristol).