And given the probability of a runaway home win, Robinson can realistically expect to play some part in the anticipated points spree. He made the 22 only because Dan Luger’s neck injury created a vacancy. If Luger, who could be sidelined for several weeks, had been fit, Robinson would have remained with the A squad to face their Italian counterparts in Bedford on Friday night.

But England boss Clive Woodward, having promoted Austin Healey off the bench, has turned to 26-year-old Robinson as cover.

Robinson’s £1million five-year deal with Sale launched a second spell in union. The first sortie was a four-month stint at Bath in 1996, when Robinson and fellow ex-Wigan colleague Henry Paul crossed codes.

‘‘The Bath experience was a good one,’’ he said. ‘‘I knew nothing at all about the game then, it was all done on a trial and error basis, but I certainly learnt a lot from it.”

Luger’s immediate prospects of reclaiming his England place are not good, following a disc-related neck problem sustained during the 44-15 victory over Wales in Cardiff. ‘‘My gut feeling is that Dan will be out for some time,’’ Woodward admitted.

No other changes were necessary.

Bench alterations see Robinson, scrum-half Kyran Bracken and back-row forward Joe Worsley included prop Julian White and full-back Matt Perry drop out of the 22. Centre Mike Catt, first capped in 1994, will make his 50th Test match appearance and lead England out this weekend.

Woodward maintains that England face a tough assignment against a side they beat 59-12 in Rome last season.

‘‘We have watched a video of the Italy/Ireland game, and the Italian forwards went very well,’’ he said. ‘‘If Dominguez had played, I think that Italy would probably have won the game.”