May 24 2007

England Head Coach Brian Ashton announced today that, due to illness, David Strettle (NEC Harlequins) would not be fit in time to play in the first test match against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday (2pm GMT, live on SkySports 2).

Iain Balshaw comes in for Strettle as a straight swap on the right wing, with the Gloucester back's place on the bench to be announced on Friday.

Brian Ashton said: "I obviously feel for David as it's his first senior England tour but Iain is an experienced player and will do a good job for us. I'll consider my options on the bench over the next 24 hours and I expect to make an announcement after training at Vodacom Park tomorrow afternoon."

England Team Doctor Simon Kemp said:  "David's vomiting continued through yesterday and he was unable to take fluids by mouth. He was therefore admitted to a local hospital for rehydration and monitoring and while he has made good progress overnight he will not be fit to play on Saturday."

Andy Farrell (Saracens) was also advised to have further rest today and didn't train but he is making good progress from his virus.  The team in full:

15	Mike Brown*	NEC Harlequins
14	Iain Balshaw	Gloucester Rugby
13	Mathew Tait	Newcastle Falcons
12	Andy Farrell	Saracens
11	Jason Robinson	Sale Sharks Captain
10	Jonny Wilkinson	Newcastle Falcons
9	Peter Richards	Gloucester Rugby
1	Nick Wood*	Gloucester Rugby
2	Mark Regan	Bristol Rugby
3	Stuart Turner	Sale Sharks
4	Dean Schofield*	Sale Sharks
5	Alex Brown	Gloucester Rugby
6	Chris Jones	Sale Sharks
7	Andy Hazell	Gloucester Rugby
8	Nick Easter	NEC Harlequins
Replacements
16	Matt Cairns*	Saracens
17	Darren Crompton*	Bristol Rugby
18	Roy Winters*	Bristol Rugby
19	Pat Sanderson	Worcester Warriors
20	Andy Gomarsall	NEC Harlequins
21	Toby Flood	Newcastle Falcons
22	TBA