Full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of England's Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday with appendicitis.
Furbank, 29, had been preparing for his first England game in nearly two years before falling ill on Friday evening.
Marcus Smith has replaced him at 15, with Henry Slade stepping up to the bench.
Steve Borthwick's side face the world champion Springboks at 16:40 BST at the iconic Ellis park in Johannesburg.
Furbank's inclusion had been one of the main talking points from Thursday's team announcement.
Furbank, 29, had been preparing for his first England game in nearly two years before falling ill on Friday evening.
Marcus Smith has replaced him at 15, with Henry Slade stepping up to the bench.
Steve Borthwick's side face the world champion Springboks at 16:40 BST at the iconic Ellis park in Johannesburg.
Furbank's inclusion had been one of the main talking points from Thursday's team announcement.
2 months ago
