England bugged by more problems

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Andy Farrell, James Simpson-Daniel and Mike Brown are all unavailable due to the stomach virus that has affected England virtually since they arrived in South Africa two weeks ago.

Flanker Andy Hazell, meanwhile, misses out because of a knee problem suffered during the record 58-10 first Test defeat last weekend.

Skipper Jason Robinson is battling to overcome fluid on the knee, and England head coach Brian Ashton will not announce his starting line-up until Friday lunchtime - barely 24 hours before kick-off - at the earliest.

Such is England's state of strife that uncapped Bath full-back Nick Abendanon will fly out from London on Wednesday and could effectively go straight into the match-day 22.

Abendanon, rated by many pundits as in line for the World Cup squad, has impressed for England Saxons during their current Barclays Churchill Cup campaign.

He produced a number of outstanding performances for Bath in domestic and European competitions this season, but he now faces undoubtedly the biggest challenge of his fledgling career.

It is impossible not to feel sympathy for Ashton, whose plans have been disrupted at almost every turn.

Farrell would now appear to be running out of time to press powerful World Cup claims, having also missed the first Test due to the virus.