Virus hits Farrell and Richards

England’s illness-hit preparations for the first Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein today have claimed two more victims.

Saracens centre Andy Farrell and Gloucester scrum-half Peter Richards have both succumbed to the stomach virus that has swept through England’s camp during the past few days.

Farrell will be replaced by Newcastle centre Toby Flood, which means an all-Falcons midfield of Jonny Wilkinson, Flood and Mathew Tait, while Harlequins’ Andy Gomarsall takes over from Richards and makes a first England start in almost three years.

Further changes have been necessary on the bench, with Bristol scrum-half Shaun Perry and the Gloucester backs Anthony Allen and James Simpson-Daniel receiving call-ups.