Bath centre Mike Tindall returns to the line-up for his first start since last November’s Rugby World Cup Final having recovered from a serious ankle injury. His presence in the midfield means that Jason Robinson reverts to full-back following three games as Will Greenwood’s centre partner.
Iain Balshaw, poor at full-back against Ireland, was not considered because of injury, but he would have struggled to keep his place anyway. In the pack, Bath Captain Danny Grewcock returns to the second row instead of his club colleague Steve Borthwick, with Sale Sharks forward Chris Jones replacing Wasps flanker Joe Worsley.
Borthwick and Worsley are on the bench, together with fit again Leicester prop, Julian White, whose selection means that there will be no emotional Twickenham send off for retiring world cap record holder Jason Leonard. The experienced Mike Catt also features among the substitutes, taking over from his Bath team mate Olly Barkley.
Leicester flanker Neil Back, who has confirmed his retirement from Test rugby after the RBS Six Nations, is not involved.
“It’s good to see a few of the more established players coming back,” said Woodward. “With Tindall back this allows Jason Robinson to move back to the position he likes best and I like him in best, full-back.
“With Grewcock coming back, he’s been the guy along with Simon Shaw earmarked to replace Martin Johnson. Missing both those players last weekend was a big blow to us.”
