Tait: Jonny's an inspiration

"We have been missing in the team the extra pace that Mathew will bring and it gives us an extra strength. He has a great work rate and can read a game well and I had no hesitation in picking him."

Tait has only played a handful of first-team matches for Newcastle but Rob Andrew, the club's director of rugby, said: "The amazing confidence he has shown in his short time with us suggests he can cope with whatever is thrown at him, although we should not forget how far he has come in a short space of time.

"He must be allowed time to develop at the highest level, but having seen the way he has played for us this season and the attitude he has demonstrated, I'm sure he can make an impact."

While the selection of Tait has grabbed the headlines, there is another intriguing name within the squad, that of Matt Dawson.

In fact Rob Howley, the former Wales captain, believes Dawson's recall is the result of very public mind games.

Howley is adamant that Robinson always intended to pick Dawson, despite throwing the scrum-half out of the squad before the autumn internationals for choosing to appear on BBC1's A Question of Sport rather than attend a squad training session.

Not even Robinson's predecessor, Sir Clive Woodward, was accused of planning such an elaborate ruse but Howley is sticking by his verdict on why the man in charge used the big stick against Dawson. Howley was forced to quit rugby due to a wrist injury suffered helping London Wasps to an English and European double last season. His loss allowed Dawson to take over the No9 jersey at the club after switching from Northampton in the summer.

He said: "Knowing Matt as he does, I believe Andy Robinson knew he would get the best out of him by making that decision before the autumn internationals.

"What happened with Andy was just a spat, with the new head coach showing he was in charge. You cannot blame him for that.

"I have no doubt that Andy knew what he was doing, and in a Lions year he set Matt a challenge and it's one he has taken up. There will be no prouder England player on the pitch against Wales than Matt and, as a Welshman, I wish he hadn't been picked."

Robinson admitted the scrum-half choice was a difficult one with Andy Gomarsall, who started the last match in November against Australia, not in the match 22.

"Selecting the scrum-half position was a close call," Robinson said. "However, I have decided to start with Matt Dawson who has shown great form for his club and can offer tremendous experience, with Harry Ellis on the bench."