And while Gareth Jenkins's men will be looking to make history, the first of Wales's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches against England is also the last chance to assess his World Cup contenders before finalising his 30-man squad for the tournament in France next month.

Jenkins has already sprung a surprise this week with the shock omission of Gavin Henson from his Rugby World Cup plans.

Wales go into the 116th clash between the nations without captain and fly half Stephen Jones because of a groin injury while Shane Williams, Sonny Parker and Gavin Evans have not travelled.

Gareth Thomas will lead the side in Jones's absence and if the Dragons can humble the current World champions, he will become the first Welsh player to reach 50 career Test wins.

The versatile Thomas has been chosen to pair Tom Shanklin at centre to provide vital experience and physicality. The back three consists of Dafydd James, who missed Wales's tour of Australia through injury, Aled Brew and Lee Byrne.

The half back partnership sees Ceri Sweeney get the chance to line up with former Newport Gwent Dragons colleague Gareth Cooper.

"It's important that we have a final look at certain players and combinations," said Jenkins. "It's the final opportunity for certain individuals to make a statement and after tomorrow I'll be better placed to make the selection before the 14th of August.

"Inside centre is one of the areas we are not absolutely clear about in terms of how our combinations are going to work.

"We are very comfortable with Gareth in that position and this is an excellent opportunity to give him another run there. Gareth is well established and respected as a captain and the players will respond to him very well in Stephen's absence.

"Stephen's injury also gives Ceri Sweeney an opportunity he deserves to start at fly half. He hasn't had the chance for over a year at this level to start there, so he should relish it."

Jenkins and England Coach Brian Ashton have opted to select teams with the emphasis on size across the park.

Will James is set to win the first cap of his career at the age of 30 and will partner Rob Sidoli in the second row. Veteran back row Colin Charvis, Michael Owen and Alun-Wyn Jones complete the back row. The front row includes English-born Chris Horsman at prop, Iestyn Thomas and Huw Bennett at hooker.

Jenkins added: "Up front it's the same story for us; selection is about giving opportunity to players who didn't have a chance in the Six Nations.

"With Ryan Jones out Michael gets an opportunity at No.8 and Colin shows us how flexible and versatile an option he is by featuring at openside flanker.

"It was always going to be the case that the Australia tour would bring some players to the fore and that was the case for both of those players.

"Will James has impressed in training throughout the summer. He is not a young man at 30 but he is young in terms of rugby life, and has a real chance if he goes well tomorrow."

WALES: Lee Byrne; Aled Brew, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas (Captain), Dafydd James; Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper; Iestyn Thomas, Huw Bennet, Chris Horsman, Will James, Rob Sidoli, Alun-Wyn Jones, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen

REPLACEMENTS: Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, TR Thomas, Alix Popham, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Tom James