The Harlequins No. 8, who has captained England against the Barbarians, will stand in for the rested Lewis Moody, who led the team to their stunning 35-18 thumping of Australia at the weekend.

Moody isn’t the only one to get a rest with Johnson making four changes in all to take a look at some of his fringe players.

Flanker Hendre Fourie gets his first start in international colours and will line-up alongside James Haskell with Tom Croft joining Moody on the bench.

Bath’s David Wilson deputises for Dan Cole in the front row and Matt Banahan, who has switched from the wing to outside centre at the Rec this term, coming in for Mike Tindall.

David Attwood gets the nod ahead of veteran Simon Shaw in the other change to the replacements.

England: Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Matt Banahan, Shontayne Hape, Mark Cueto, Toby Flood, Ben Youngs, Andrew Sheridan, Dylan Hartley, David Wilson, Courtney Lawes, Tom Palmer, James Haskell, Hendre Fourie, Nick Easter.

Replacements: Steve Thompson, Dan Cole, David Attwood, Tom Croft, Danny Care, Charlie Hodgson, Delon Armitage.