With World Cup centres Mike Tindall and Stuart Abbott both injured, Robinson will step forward and bring his searing pace to England’s midfield, rather than detonating those trademark sprint explosions from full-back.

The results could be spectacular, especially with Robinson operating directly alongside England’s gifted midfield playmaker Will Greenwood.

While eyebrows might have been raised in some quarters about the Robinson shuffle, both player and coach are totally relaxed.

“With Tindall and Abbott both out, we had to put someone else in there, and I was keen to keep the starting XV based on players we worked with for the World Cup,” said England boss Clive Woodward.

“Jason has played there for England before. His best position is full-back for England, but you pick your strongest team based on what players are available. I wouldn’t like to mark him!”

Robinson’s flirtation with the centre position for England came against Scotland last season, while his club Sale Sharks have utilised him there several times.

“I have covered the centre position before for England, and I have also played centre for Sale. It’s not something I am worried about,” he said.

“Clive has asked me to come in and do a job at centre, and it is a new challenge, one that I am looking forward to.

“The difference is that you are the first line of defence, as opposed to the second line of defence, but that is just a case of me stepping up there, having plenty of chat with Will Greenwood and working together.

“They are just different positions. At full-back, you are covering and trying to take "bombs" and everything else. It’s just a different role for me on Sunday, but one I have done before, so it is just a case of going out there and doing a good job.

“Attacking-wise, there is a bit of a difference, but sometimes when you get turnover ball, if you are at full-back, it takes you a while to get up there into the line and be a supporting player,” he added.

“Playing in the centre means you should always be up there, so hopefully, there will be a few opportunities on Sunday and I will be able to finish something off.

“My favourite position is full-back, but you just do your best wherever you get picked. There are so many great players in this team, and if Clive asks me to cover centre, then I am certainly not going to say no.

“It’s not a position I would want to take on full-time. But like every team, you have your injuries and you want to get your best players out there. At the same time, it’s exciting – we have got a very quick back line.

“In that five or 10-metre space, I have an ability to beat people and just get that edge on them, and hopefully I can do that on Sunday.”

Not for the first time in Robinson’s glittering rugby career, the opposition will probably not have a clue what to expect.