England dealt Farrell World Cup blow

Andy Farrell has been ruled out of England's World Cup quarter-final clash with Australia.

The former Great Britain rugby league skipper has suffered a strained right calf muscle in training.

Brian Ashton is set to bring back either Olly Barkley or Dan Hipkiss for Saturday's contest at the Stade Velodrome.

Barkley was disappointing against Tonga last Friday as the world champions booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournament in France.

Hipkiss, who has yet to start a World Cup game, is considered by many to be an ideal partner for rising star Mathew Tait.

Another alternative for Ashton ponder is the possible recall of World Cup winner Mike Catt.

England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), TBC, J Lewsey (Wasps); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).

Substitutes: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), O Barkley (Bath), D Hipkiss (Leicester)

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