Joe Marler was today ruled out of England’s clash with South Africa on Saturday after sustaining ligament damage to his knee in defeat by Australia at Twickenham.
The 20-14 loss to Australia sees England stuck in fifth place in the IRB rankings, trailing France by 3.03 ranking points. The top four teams will be seeded for the 2015 World Cup when the draw is made on December 3.
Harlequins prop Marler looks certain to be replaced by London Irish star Alex Corbisiero, who proved his fitness after injury by playing for the club against Leicester at the weekend.
Mako Vunipola is the other front-row option but it would be a risk to start him against a powerful Springbok pack that have beaten Ireland and Scotland in the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, Quade Cooper, the controversial Wallaby No10, may follow All Black Sonny Bill Williams into boxing after reportedly walking out on his Australian rugby contract after a disagreement with coach Robbie Deans.
