Josh Lewsey's absence is a major blow for England

A hamstring problem means Lewsey is replaced in the team by Dan Luger, with Jason Robinson moving to full-back.

The news is a blow to England's preparations and comes just one day after Iain Balshaw failed to prove his fitness for the crucial clash.

The Bath back, who was named on the bench, injured his ankle during last weekend's 111-13 victory over Uruguay.

England head coach Clive Woodward said: "Josh suffered what appeared to be a tweak to his right hamstring in training this morning which has deteriorated over the course of the day and therefore Dan will play."

Luger's an outstanding player and he's fully fit Clive Woodward

An official England spokesman earlier denied there was a problem with Lewsey, but the loss of their five-try star against Uruguay last weekend will be keenly felt.

Wasps centre Stuart Abbott will take over from Luger on the bench.

Woodward added: "Luger's an outstanding player and he's fully fit. And, for obvious reasons, I don't want to take any risks.

"It's a very experienced team which knows how to win even when we're not playing well."

England: J Robinson; D Luger, W Greenwood, M Tindall, B Cohen; J Wilkinson, M Dawson; J Leonard, S Thompson, P Vickery, M Johnson (c), B Kay, L Moody, N Back, L Dallaglio.

Replacements: D West, T Woodman, S Shaw, J Worsley, K Bracken, M Catt, S Abbott.