England in pieces

The England coach admitted he now had no idea who was going to play at fly-half for the match against South Africa on Friday night.

The shock development came only moments after Ashton had named his team to face the Springboks following this morning's session.

It now means that Jonny Wilkinson, originally left out of the 22, may have to play. The Newcastle star kicked a ball for the first time since injuring his ankle - also in training - last week, but to play him in such a pivotal match would represent a huge risk.

Ashton had already decided that Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Mark Cueto were not up to the task that now awaits the world champions at the Stade de France - none has even made the bench. Added to all this, the coach is still sweating on the verdict of the citing commissioner who will sit in judgement tonight on skipper Phil Vickery's 'trip' during the 28-10 win over America - he could be banned for up to a month.

Ashton said: "Olly Barkley was running around in training with no-one near him and strained a hip muscle. Jonny Wilkinson is continuing his rehabilitation and we don't know whether he will be fit to take part on Friday.

"We are going to have to wait to see what the outcome of the scan is to decide our strategy. I accept we're not giving ourselves a lot of time but Jonny took part in training for the first time since injuring his ankle today and has been running around and kicking.

"If he is fit, I will play him. If he's not, I won't. However, if Olly is out and Jonny is fit - problem solved.

"I just don't know what the situation is going to be. Jason Robinson will be at full-back and he is keen to play there and Mark Cueto has been struggling for form and has a bit of a groin injury."

There is still the possibility that fly-halves Toby Flood and Charlie Hodgson, both omitted from the original party, may receive call-ups. What is certain is that Harlequins' Nick Easter will play at No8, with former captain Martin Corry taking over from Worsley and Paul Sackey will come in on the left wing.

Matt Stevens will move from the bench to replace Vickery if he is banned but the only comforting news for England today was that key South African forward Schalk Burger has also been cited for hitting Samoa's Junior Polu in the face and could also miss Friday's match.

To make matters worse for England, Mathew Tait and Dan Hipkiss are currently ill and being kept away from the rest of the team.

England team to face South Africa:Robinson, Lewsey, Noon, Catt, Sackey, Barkley, Perry, Sheridan, Regan, Vickery, Shaw, Kay, Corry, Rees, Easter.
Replacements: Chuter, Stevens, Borthwick, Moody, A Gomarsall, A Farrell