Dawson desperate to face Springboks

England scrum-half Matt Dawson has declared his intention to be available for the crunch World Cup clash against South Africa.

Dawson suffered a leg injury during Sunday’s 84-6 Pool C victory over Georgia in rain-lashed Perth.

Kyran Bracken had earlier withdrawn from bench duty because of a back problem, so England boss Clive Woodward has summoned Bath’s Martyn Wood as cover.

However, Dawson is desperate not to miss the big game in Pool C and claims he was withdrawn from the match against Georgia only as a precaution.

“I came off towards half-time with a knock on my leg but don’t believe it will affect my availability for selection,” he said.

“It was decided that I should come off more as a precaution than anything.

“South Africa is a match that none of us wants to miss.”