Ashton allays fears over Perry

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Perry sat out England's second session since arriving in South Africa due to a calf muscle strain.

Ashton said: "Everyone trained today (Friday) except Shaun Perry, who has a calf strain in his right leg. He didn't take part as a precaution, and he should be okay for tomorrow (Saturday)."

Perry is favourite to wear the number nine shirt in Saturday week's first Test against South Africa at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein, although he can expect a strong challenge from scrum-half rivals Peter Richards and Andy Gomarsall.

England have travelled without players from Leicester, Wasps or Bath, who all face European finals this weekend and will miss both Springbok Tests in Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

Ashton's severely-depleted squad includes seven uncapped players, while England have lost their last six away games since beating Italy in Rome 15 months ago.

Ashton added: "We didn't have a great day at training, but everyone stepped up their passing, execution and game-understanding.

"The improvement is understandable because the players were training on Thursday, the day after a long flight, and training at altitude for the first time on the tour.

"All the players must now move on and step up the intensity again.

"Playing against South Africa is going to be a massive challenge, and with the two finalists in the Super 14 (Sharks and Bulls, who meet in Durban on Saturday) they would be a huge test for any team in the world, including New Zealand."