Worcester's Australian fly-half Shane Drahm will make his England representative debut in tomorrow's A international against Italy.

Drahm, who qualifies for England on residency grounds, will be partnered at half-back by rising Bristol star Shaun Perry in a side containing several players capped at senior level, including Wasps centre Stuart Abbott, Leicester wing Tom Varndell and Bath prop Duncan Bell.

Perpignan prop Perry Freshwater, who made his England debut against Samoa in November, captains the team at Colleferro Rugby Club, near Rome.

Injuries influenced coach John Wells' final selection as Leeds centre Chris Bell (hamstring), Wasps flanker Tom Rees (shoulder) and Bath back-row forward Andy Beattie (ribs) were not considered.

Wells said: "This is a big opportunity for these guys, especially the ones who have come through the system very quickly like Shaun Perry, Shane Drahm and Tom Varndell, who have made names for themselves this season.

"This is the chance for them to play outside the club scene and see if they can step up.

"Our job as coaches is to give them as simple a game plan as possible on Friday night but one which will allow them to display the skills that have got them here in the first place. We want to identify these talents and allow them to show them."

England play two A games this season. The other is on March 17 against Ireland at Gloucester.