Balshaw ready to deliver

Balshaw scored against France in his last England game

Iain Balshaw has promised to repay Clive Woodward's faith in him by producing his best performance of the season when England take on Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

The Bath back has been handed the England number 15 jersey ahead of rock-solid club-mate Matt Perry and Sale's dazzling league convert Jason Robinson.

Balshaw starts at full-back despite a disappointing Lions tour in the summer and a rocky start to the season.

"The first few games with the club were shaky this season but I know I can deliver on Saturday," he said.

"It's nice to know Clive has confidence in me.

I have no qualms about playing Balshaw

England coach
Clive Woodward

"I don't want to talk about the Lions because I feel more than 100% now, I feel 110%.

"I have taken a lot from the Lions experience and learned a lot of things that I will use later in my career."

Balshaw can expect Irish fly-half David Humphreys to test him with a succession of high balls, but he is confident he will be up to the task.

"I am expecting a lot of balls to be kicked my way on Saturday and I will have to deal with them, but that is no different from any other international," he said.

Despite others' misgivings about his form in general and defensive abilities in particular, England coach Woodward does not expect the 22-year-old Bath man to let him down.

Try-saving tackles

However, he admitted he thought "long and hard" about the full-back role before deciding to stick with Balshaw, who started England's last Six Nations match, the 48-19 romp against France.

"I have no qualms about playing Balshaw," said Woodward.

"I can't recall Balshaw dropping too many balls the last time he played for England and I remember him making two try-saving tackles.

"He was named as the best defender on the pitch that day by Phil Larder (England's defensive coach)."