England bugged by more back problems

England’s troubled tour of South Africa is in danger of descending into complete disarray after four players were ruled out of Saturday’s second Test against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld.

Andy Farrell, James Simpson-Daniel and Mike Brown are all unavailable due to the stomach virus that has affected England virtually since they arrived in South Africa two weeks ago.

Flanker Andy Hazell, meanwhile, misses out because of a knee problem suffered during the record 58-10 first Test defeat last weekend.

Skipper Jason Robinson is battling to overcome fluid on the knee, and England head coach Brian Ashton will not announce his starting line-up until Friday lunchtime – barely 24 hours before kick-off – at the earliest.

Such is England’s state of strife that uncapped Bath full-back Nick Abendanon will fly out from London tonight and could effectively go straight into the match-day 22.