England choose Farrell at fly-half

VERSAILLES, France -- England coach Brian Ashton has taken a massive gamble by turning to rugby league convert Andy Farrell to play at fly-half in Friday's crucial World Cup clash with South Africa.

Farrell, who has never played in the position in a rugby union match, is drafted in after injuries to Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley, who played in the opener against the United States but strained a hip muscle in training.

England's preparations for the match with the Springboks have been further disrupted by loss of captain Phil Vickery, who picked up a two-game ban for tripping USA center Paul Emerick in the opening match.

The England camp said on Wednesday that the would not appeal the ban and Vickery's place at prop will go to Matt Stevens.

Perpignan prop Perry Freshwater will be added to the bench to replace Stevens.

Martin Corry has been appointed captain in place of Vickery.

Wilkinson, who sprained an ankle in training for the World Cup, has been injury-plagued since landing the winning drop goal to beat Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.

He was not included in the 22 to face South Africa and no fresh update has been given on his fitness.

An injury bulletin on Barkley will be issued next Tuesday.

South Africa are contesting the four- match ban imposed upon back row forward Schalk Burger.

The 24-year-old flanker - IRB player of the year in 2004 - has been suspended for a tackle on Samoan scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga on Sunday.

"We are not happy about the decision, we will appeal it," said Springboks' coach Jake White.

"You lose a player like Schalk Burger, you get told at one in the morning after the hearing, it is not something that you take without being shocked about it."

The appeal will be considered in Paris at 0600GMT on Thursday. E-mail to a friend