Balshaw’s World Cup place at stake in Marseilles
Balshaw was England's try-scoring star of the 2001 Six Nations Championship, when his dazzling attacking skills won widespread acclaim.
But three serious injuries in two years put his career on the backburner, and even raised questions whether he would ever recapture that form.
The Stade Velodrome in Marseilles a 60,000-capacity arena where France rarely lose will provide the stage on which Balshaw can prove to everyone that he is back.
At stake is probably a World Cup squad place, where Balshaw is seeking a coveted back-three spot, the wing and full-back positions where England possess enviable strength in depth.
Bath star Balshaw dislocated his shoulder, then suffered torn ankle ligaments and finally required a shoulder reconstruction. Operations were necessary for all three injuries and those setbacks have restricted him to around a dozen games in the past 12 months.
"As far as the World Cup is concerned, as soon as I was back playing and if my performances went well, I thought I would have a chance.
If 24-year-old Balshaw books his World Cup ticket to Australia, then it will give him a glorious chance to erase memories of a dismal Lions tour down under two years ago when he failed to live up to expectations.
"I would love to go back to Australia, and play as I should have done the first time," he said.
Balshaw is among 10 changes of personnel from the side which demolished Wales in record fashion at the Millennium Stadium last weekend.
England's head coach has recalled some of his big guns, including Josh Lewsey, Ben Cohen and Mike Tindall, as the Red Rose brigade seek their 15th successive Test match victory.
Woodward is also relishing the chance to see Balshaw in a white jersey again, while scrum-half Austin Healey is also back following prolonged injury problems last season.
"Iain Balshaw played well in the Churchill Cup earlier this summer, and he gets a chance now in what is a very strong England side," Woodward said.
Woodward has changed the entire back division from the one on duty against Wales, but he retains the same back row of Martin Corry, Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley, while lock Danny Grewcock and prop Julian White also remain.
The team will be captained by 35-year-old Leicester hooker Dorian West one of seven Tigers players in the side.
Meanwhile Australia coach Eddie Jones admits up to five places are still up for grabs in the Wallabies' squad.
Jones will name the 30-man squad who will defend Australia's title on 4 September.
Joe Roff and Stirling Mortlock are expected to return to the Australian squad, which means there is one place still to fill in the backs.
Jones is likely to choose either Nathan Grey or Morgan Turinui.
The Wallabies' build-up has been less than impressive as they have lost four of their last five Tests.
Alan Solomons has announced his Ulster team to face London Irish on Friday night at Ravenhill in a pre-season friendly, kick off 7.30pm.
UlSTER: B Cunningham, T Howe, R Constable, S Stewart, A Maxwell, P Wallace, K Campbell, R McCormack, M Sexton, S Best, M Mustchin, R Frost, A Ward (Captain), N Best, R Wilson
Replacements: N Brady, B Young, M McCullough, T Barker, N Doak, S Mallon, S Young, A Larkin
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