Ashton plots Springboks scalp

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But he stressed that both Catt and Andy Farrell would operate as inside backs, suggesting considerable interchanging between the 10 and 12 positions.

England have been forced into some radical surgery after fly-halves Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley were both ruled out of the Springboks game due to injuries.

Former Great Britain rugby league captain Farrell will go into the Stade de France showdown as first choice goal kicker - a game that England must win to have any realistic chance of topping Pool A.

Ashton believes that Wilkinson and Barkley could both be fit for the appointment with Samoa on Saturday week.

Wilkinson is battling to recover from an ankle ligament sprain, while Barkley has a hip problem.

Ashton has decided against flying out a replacement, despite the current fly-half situation.

Bristol prop Darren Crompton has arrived as temporary cover though, after England sought clarification from World Cup organisers.

With skipper Phil Vickery suspended for the next two games, England currently only have three props available - Matt Stevens, Andrew Sheridan and Perry Freshwater.

If anything was to happen to any of those forwards before kick off time then England, technically, would be unable to field a team under International Rugby Board regulations.