Alistair Hignell analyses Clive Woodward's team (Radio 5 Live)

But coach Clive Woodward has revealed that the Bath back will not kick for goal, following his crucial conversion miss against Australia last week.

Woodward has made two changes to his back division, with Nick Beal and Dan Luger brought in, as his team bid to prevent the Springboks setting a new world record of 18 straight Test victories.

Catt, whose missed conversion after coming off the bench was highlighted in many quarters as the cause of the 12-11 defeat by Australia, retains his place because first choice stand-off Paul Grayson has failed to recover from a knee strain.

Catt kicks for touch during the defeat by Australia

Northampton scrum-half Matt Dawson, who does not kick for his club, will be given the duty of kicking all England's goal chances.

Woodward said: "I'm quite relaxed about the changes. I am bringing in good players.

"Catt has no excuses. He can go in with a clear head - he has a great chance and I am looking forward to seeing him play.

"Last weekend he came on in the first half when Paul went off and found it difficult to impose himself at number 10.

"It can be demanding to go into that position as a sub and control events. But this time he is starting.

"I can't pluck great goal-kickers out of nowhere, but Matt is a fine goal-kicker and I am confident in his ability."

Luger in as Healey axed

Northampton's Beal comes in at fullback for Saturday's other injury victim Matt Perry, who suffered concussion against the Wallabies.

Ian Robertson reports (BBC Radio 5 Live)

On the wing Woodward has called up Luger, who played in the World Cup qualifiers last month, at the expense of Austin Healey, who was criticised for his below-par efforts this autumn. "Austin has had three poor games," was Woodward's frank assessment.

Sale's David Rees was deemed to be below full fitness so is denied a chance on the wing.

Will Greenwood has not recovered from the groin strain that kept him out against the Wallabies - so former skipper Phil de Glanville continues in the centre.

"It was obvious by last night that neither Grayson, nor Will Greenwood were going to be fit," said Woodward.

"Neither could train yesterday or today, so we know the team now and have three days to work together."

England team to face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday:

Backs: N Beal (Northampton), T Underwood (Newcastle), P de Glanville (Bath), J Guscott (Bath), D Luger (Harlequins), M Catt (Bath), M Dawson (Northampton)

Forwards: J Leonard (Harlequins), R Cockerill, D Garforth, M Johnson (all Leicester), T Rodber (Northampton), L Dallaglio (Wasps capt), R Hill (Saracens), N Back (Leicester).