With Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi (both concussion) and Ross Moriarty (ankle) ruled out of the Llanelli clash, Lewis-Hughes and Botham start alongside No 8 Taulupe Faletau.
The Cardiff Blues pair have played together at regional age grade, senior age grade, and junior international level.
Now they are preparing to take on England this weekend.
“If we felt they weren’t ready, we wouldn’t have put them out there,” Wales head coach Pivac said of Lewis-Hughes and Botham.
“We talk about the injuries in the loose forwards, but these two boys have worked very hard and been impressive in training.
“You have seen Shane go up and against the Irish and Scots and put in two very good displays. He’s a physical young man and we are going to need a lot of that on the weekend.
“And in terms of Jim Botham, you saw his performance in the Georgia game first up. He’s a young guy who had only been in for one week at that point preparing for that Test match.
“We are confident to put both those guys out there and we’re really excited to see how they go.”
Shane Lewis-Hughes (right) talks with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones
You have seen Shane go up and against the Irish and Scots and put in two very good displays. He’s a physical young man and we are going to need a lot of that on the weekend
Wales are expecting a physical battle from an England side who have been impressive so far this autumn with victories over Italy, Georgia and Ireland.
England head coach Eddie Jones has named six forward replacements.
Pivac said: “We’ll certainly be looking for a big performance with a lot of heart.
“We should be getting that every time we pull the jersey on, but the boys will be up for this match and I expect them to be very physical.
“I don’t think you’ll see anyone go into their shells – it’s Wales against England.
“You just have to look at the last time we played them – it was a physical encounter and it ended 33-30. We’ll expect nothing less this time.
“It is a very exciting team England are bringing. It’s a big pack and they’ll keep coming at us with six forward replacements throughout the game.
“We have to be prepared for that, but it’s nothing we wouldn’t expect and, if anything, it just adds to the occasion.”
I don’t think you’ll see anyone go into their shells – it’s Wales against England
