‘I’ve announced a strong team with over 300 caps between them,’ said Woodward.
‘Jason Leonard will captain the side for the second time and I have no doubts that he will do an excellent job. He’s an example to all the squad on and off the field and, like me, he’s really looking forward to Saturday.
‘Although the side is a completely different one from the team that played Australia in June, it contains a number of players who were either injured or suspended during the summer.
‘It gives them and the new caps, Stuart Abbott and Dan Scarborough, an excellent opportunity to push their claims for a place in the final 30-man squad, which I’ll announce on September 8.
‘I’m delighted that Steve Hansen is picking a very good Wales team. Man for man they are a very strong side and I fully expect that our players will have a very tough test on Saturday.’
Woodward has named a particularly strong backrow, with Lewis Moody returning from injury to team up with powerful Leicester man Martin Corry and Wasps star Joe Worsley. Lock Danny Grewcock returns after suspension to partner impressive Wasps secondrower Simon Shaw.
England: Dan Scarborough (Leeds Tykes); James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Stuart Abbott (London Wasps), Dan Luger (Perpignan); Alex King (London Wasps), Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester); Jason Leonard (NEC Harlequins, captain), Mark Regan (Leeds Tykes), Julian White (Leicester Tigers), Danny Grewcock (Bath), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps).
Replacements: To be announced.
