May 25 2007

Kevin Yates (Saracens) will replace Nick Wood at loose-head prop in the first Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein tomorrow (2pm GMT, live on SkySports 2).

Wood of Gloucester Rugby tore his right pectoral (chest) muscle in training yesterday and Yates will line up at Vodacom Park just two weeks short of 10 years since he last represented his country against Argentina in June 1997.

Yates, 34, who will break John Bentley's England record for the longest wait between caps of nine years and 44 days, said: "You always keep hoping in the back of your mind that there might be a chance of coming back and playing for your country and while I am obviously disappointed for Nick Wood I am delighted to be given the opportunity again.

"I have been unaffected by the virus which has hit certain members of the squad and I am pleased with the way things have gone in training."

Bath Rugby prop Matt Stevens has joined up as cover after flying from Cape Town where he was staying.

With David Strettle (NEC Harlequins) still receiving treatment for the virus that saw him admitted to hospital in Johannesburg for rehydration and monitoring, Dan Scarbrough (Saracens) is also now in camp after being called up from the England Saxons' Barclays Churchill Cup squad. He follows Iain Balshaw and Ben Skirving in joining the original tour party from the Saxons.

Scarbrough said: "I was obviously sad to leave the Saxons but to join the senior squad in South Africa was an opportunity too good to miss. I arrived in Johannesburg this morning and although I have been brought in as cover I am fit and available.

"We visited Vodacom Park (home of the Cheetahs) at lunchtime and it was good to walk around and get an idea of what I'm sure will be a fantastic atmosphere tomorrow."