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England pair Jamie George and Owen Farrell ruled out of South Africa clash in Autumn Nations Series

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England will be without captain Owen Farrell and Jamie George when they host the world champions South Africa at Twickenham this weekend.

Farrell (ankle) and George (knee) both picked up injuries against Australia on Saturday. George left the field at half-time after being injured in a brilliant try-saving tackle by Nic White, while Farrell went off in the final quarter.

Eddie Jones, the England coach, has added two Gloucester players to his squad. The first is a direct replacement for George, Jack Singleton, a hooker who was part of the 2019 World Cup squad.

The second is the uncapped Harry Elrington, who will provide cover in the problem position of loosehead prop. In that department, England are without Ellis Genge, who is laid low with Covid-19, but Joe Marler will come out of isolation on Friday and will hope to be involved. Bevan Rodd made his debut at loosehead against Australia.

Farrell’s absence is likely to mean Courtney Lawes captains England for the second time this autumn, and makes a return to the No12 jersey likely for Manu Tuilagi. Max Malins and Adam Radwan will compete to replace him on the wing.

Jones has resisted the temptation to call up Saracens’ Mako Vunipola or Leicester’s George Ford, despite their vast experience, strong form and the injuries affecting their positions.

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