The world champions were due to name their side at midday today but have now postponed the announcement until 12.30pm on Thursday to provide what head coach Peter de Villiers described as "sufficient time to assess the injury situation and confirm availability".

Scrum-half Fourie du Preez is doubtful for the final game of the Boks' UK tour after picking up a knock in training last week. The Blue Bulls star, rated by many as the best No9 in world rugby, missed the win over Scotland and could also sit out the trip to Twickenham.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis left the action at Murrayfield after just five minutes with a hamstring injury and is definitely unavailable for the England game, as is prop Guthro Steenkamp who came on as a second-half replacement against Scotland.

IRB World Player of the Year Bryan Habana and prop Brian Mujati also picked up injuries on Saturday, although the Bok managenment are hopeful that the pair will be available for selection this weekend.

South Africa have already called up Jannie du Plessis, the brother of hooker Bismarck, as front row cover even though the squad return home next week.