The match will be the Bath player's first international since the World Cup Final after recovering from shattered ankle ligaments sustained two days before Christmas. Tindall has played just two and a half matches since.

But the physical crash-ball specialist, who enjoy gambling so much that he is to take part in a £165,000 poker tournament against professionals this month, is adamant he has fully recovered from his injury.

Ive always healed quickly, he said. I was lucky that they decided not to operate on it and its healed really well. I was running six weeks after I did it.

When you first come back youre thinking about your injury more than whats going on around you. I needed the game against Leeds (his first comeback game) to prove I could play 80 minutes.

"And I needed the game against France A to prove I could step up a level. It was so much easier. I didnt think about the ankle, I just got on and played the game.

Everythings been sweet. After games the ankles been a bit sore but during the game Ive not felt it.

Tindall is recalled to a side smarting from their 19-13 defeat at Twickenham to Ireland, where his physical presence in the midfield was badly missed, both in attack and defence.

But his return should shore up the England backline and has allowed the destructive Jason Robinson to move back to his preferred full-back position.

Tindall said: I havent played at Twickenham for quite a while now and I cant wait.

Its the greatest honour you can have as an English player to play for your country and Ive really missed it. It always guts you when you are not involved.

The mood was a bit down on Monday but we cant sit back. Weve still got a tournament to win and we can still win it.

"Weve just got to look at the mistakes we made against Ireland and correct them and take it out on Wales if we can.

"Theres a bit of pressure but Im not going to worry about it. Im just going to enjoy the day and hopefully do what I normally do on a rugby field.