Henson – still without a club after leaving Toulon at the end of last season – replaces Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts shifting out to 13 to accommodate him.

Perpignan-bound James Hook replaces Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart, whose World Cup dreams were shattered by a broken leg during last week’s Twickenham clash.

Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns – who made his debut off the bench last week – and second row Luke Charteris are given the chance to pick up where they left off at Twickenham, coming in for Huw Bennett and Bradley Davies respectively.

And Gatland has warned his players of the importance of a win ahead of the World Cup – as well as revenge for the 26-19 defeat in Cardiff during the RBS 6 Nations last February.

“We need the win this weekend - it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“We’ve told the players that for us to be regarded as contenders at the Rugby World Cup we need to beat England at home this weekend, to send out that message to everyone that we are contenders.

“It is vitally important that we go into that match with the sound of Welsh fans ringing in our ears, fans.

“We have retained the majority of the side who travelled to London last week and told them that we want more of the same.”

15. James Hook – Perpignan
14. George North – Scarlets
13. Jamie Roberts – Cardiff Blues
12. Gavin Henson – Unattached
11. Shane Williams – Ospreys
10. Rhys Priestland – Scarlets
9. Mike Phillips – Bayonne
1. Paul James – Ospreys
2. Lloyd Burns – Newport Gwent Dragons
3. Craig Mitchell – Exeter
4. Luke Charteris – Newport Gwent Dragons
5. Alun Wyn Jones – Ospreys
6. Dan Lydiate – Newport Gwent Dragons
7. Sam Warburton – Cardiff Blues
8. Toby Faletau – Newport Gwent Dragons
Replacements
16. Huw Bennett – Ospreys
17. Ryan Bevington – Ospreys
18. Josh Turnbull – Scarlets
19. Justin Tipuric – Ospreys
20. Tavis Knoyle – Scarlets
21. Scott Williams – Scarlets
22. Aled Brew – Newport Gwent Dragons