Hipkiss poised for England call

Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss looks favourite to replace Josh Lewsey when England name their team for Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa.

Lewsey misses the game in Paris after damaging a hamstring in the 14-9 win over hosts France in the semi-finals.

If Hipkiss is selected at centre by coach Brian Ashton, Mathew Tait will take over from Lewsey on the wing.

Sale's Mark Cueto is also in the frame to replace Lewsey when Ashton unveils his side at 1345 BST on Wednesday.

England added Nick Abendanon to the squad as cover following Lewsey's hamstring injury.

But the Bath full-back, who joins fellow South African-born players Matt Stevens and Mike Catt in the squad, is unlikely to feature in the starting line-up.

The 25-year-old Hipkiss, whose England bow came against Wales during the warm-up games in August, has impressed when given opportunities during the past five weeks.

But selection for the final at the Stade de France still would represent a colossal achievement, especially considering he suffered a career-threatening knee injury at the age of 17.

England legend Rory Underwood says he expects Ashton to push Tait to the wing because the 21-year-old Newcastle player has the pace to counter the threat of flying South Africa wing Bryan Habana.

"If there is one person who can match Habana for pace, it's Mathew Tait," Underwood told 5live.

"He's not got the physique, sidestep or experience that Habana has, but there's no doubt he has got pace."

Habana is the tournament's top try-scorer with eight so far, including two in the semi-final win over Argentina.

One more touchdown would take him past Jonah Lomu's record for tries in a World Cup.

Underwood said the only way to nullify Habana's influence was to prevent him getting the ball at all.

"You've got to starve him of the ball, don't give him the opportunity," said Underwood. "You've got to make sure there's no space when he gets the ball."

Source: BBC Sport