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Rugby Union

Double injury blow for England

26/05/2007

Andy Farrell and Peter Richards have pulled out of England's side to face South Africa in the first Test today.

The pair have been hit by a stomach virus which has already caused prop Nick Wood and wing David Strettle to miss training.

Centre Farrell will be replaced by Toby Flood while Andy Gomarsall comes in for Gloucestershire scrum-half Richards for the clash in Bloemfontein.

Wood's and Strettle's places have been taken by Saracens' Kevin Yates and Iain Balshaw.

Shaun Perry, Anthony Allen and James Simpson-Daniel come on to the bench.

England coach Brian Ashton said the virus has hampered his side's preparations.

"I feel sorry for Nick because he has a really good Premiership season and has fully deserved an opportunity to play," Ashton told the BBC.

"I obviously feel for David as it is his first tour, but Iain is an experienced player and will do a good job for us.

"The virus seems to vary in its intensity. Some players have been sick, some players have just had stomach cramps. Some have recovered within 24 hours but others have taken a couple of days and they are still not feeling much better."

England go into the tour of South Africa as huge underdogs having lost their last six away games.

Ashton controversially decided to leave at home senior players from European finalists Leicester, Wasps and Bath.

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