Rugby Union correspondent Ian Robertson on Clive Woodward's options

He suffered concussion during the closing stages of last weekend's 12-11 defeat by Australia and now faces a mandatory three-week lay-off.

It is also bad news for his club Bath as he must sit out two vital Allied Dunbar Premiership matches against Northampton and Saracens.

"It is unfortunate that Matt is not available. He was concussed at the end of the Australia game, and will be out for the recommended three weeks on medical advice," said England coach Clive Woodward.

His absence appears to clear the way for Northampton's Nick Beal to take over, although Mike Catt may be considered.

Injury list

Woodward will not be making any further announcements until Thursday morning - not a surprise when the full casualty list is assessed.

Scrum-half Kyran Bracken and fly-half Jonny Wilkinson are both definitely out, while goalkicker Paul Grayson and Will Greenwood are doubtful.

Woodward has added Sale wing David Rees and Wasps fly-half Alex King to reinforce the squad.

Rees has not played for England since the Five Nations Championship earlier this year, and will challenge wingers Austin Healey and Tony Underwood.

King is up against Catt as a possible replacement for number 10 Grayson - injured during the early stages against Australia.

But the versatile Catt could move to full-back to cover for Perry, having played there for England against France in Paris last February.

Grayson has undergone a scan on his knee injury and his progress is being monitored, along with that of Greenwood, who has a groin injury.

His withdrawal from the Wallabies Test barely 24 hours before kick-off saw former England captain Phil de Glanville return to the team.

The South Africans have their own injury doubt, but hooker James Dalton, said he was still hopeful of playing in the Twickenham showdown.