Abbott impresssed on tour

The pair are among a host of players given the chance to press their claims for a place in the final 30-man party.

Coach Clive Woodward has rested most of his frontline players in naming an exprimental side which will be captained by veteran prop Jason Leonard.

Flanker Lewis Moody and tighthead prop Julian White both return after missing most of the Six Nations campaign through injury.

This is an excellent opportunity to push their claims for a place in the World Cup squad Clive Woodward

Wasps fly-half Alex King is given the first chance to stake his claim as Jonny Wilkinson's understudy, partnering Andy Gomarsall at half-back.

King will start an international for the first time following four appearances as a replacement between 1997 and 2001, while Gomarsall has been named as vice-captain.

South African-born Abbott, who has an English mother, is rewarded after a superb season for Zurich Premiership champions Wasps.

He impressed in England's summer tour victory against New Zealand Maori, alongside Newcastle centre Jamie Noon.

Moody's return is a boost

The pair will resume that partnership at the Millennium Stadium, while Moody returns at openside after a six-month absence following shoulder surgery.

Lock Danny Grewcock is also back after missing the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia through suspension.

Leonard, meanwhile, will lead his country for only the second time - the first was against Argentina in 1996 - on the occasion of his 104th cap.

"I have no doubts that he will do an excellent job," said Woodward. "He's an example to all the squad on and off the field."

Wales name strong side

The Wales fixture is the first of three Tests in successive weekends, with back-to-back matches against France to follow.

England have not lost to Wales in Cardiff since 1993, and will be looking to extend a record run of 13 Test victories since losing to France in Paris last year.

None of the side that won in Australia in July start on Saturday, but Woodward is confident the match will provide valuable preparation.

"I'm delighted that Steve Hansen is picking a very good Wales team," he added. "Man for man they are a very strong side and I fully expect our players will have a very tough test."

England team: D Scarbrough (Leeds); J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), J Noon (Newcastle), S Abbott (Wasps), D Luger (Perpignan); A King (Wasps), A Gomarsall (Gloucester); J Leonard (Harlequins, capt), M Regan (Leeds), J White (Leicester), D Grewcock (Bath), S Shaw (Wasps), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps).