Rugby League convert Sam Burgess has been given a starting role as an England centre for the pivotal World Cup match against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday after coach Stuart Lancaster named his side on Thursday.
A chest injury to Burgess's Bath team-mate Jonathan Joseph has seen the 26-year-old - who has played just 112 minutes of Test rugby union - given the role of outside centre alongside Saracens midfielder Brad Barritt, while Owen Farrell starts at fly-half in place of the demoted George Ford.
The decision to drop Ford to the bench is arguably even more controversial than Burgess's inclusion given the Bath playmaker has been England's first-choice No 10 for the best part of a year.
In selecting Burgess alongside Barritt, Lancaster has now opted for his 14th different midfield combination since taking charge in 2012.
The trio of Farrell-Burgess-Barritt is certainly the most physically powerful midfield three available to Lancaster, with England expecting a bruising gainline contest against the Welsh.
In another change to the England XV from the team that beat Fiji 35-11 at Twickenham last week, No 8 Billy Vunipola - who like Burgess and Farrell impressed off the bench against the Pacific islanders - starts in place of Ben Morgan, out with a knee injury.
Wales, who beat Uruguay 54-9 in their World Cup opener in a 'Pool of Death' also featuring Australia, are set to name their side to play England later Thursday. – AFP