Balshaw becomes latest England casualty in South Africa

The tourists suffered a resounding loss in the first Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday; the second-worst in the history of English rugby.

But now Ashton will be without Gloucester back Iain Balshaw for the game in Pretoria next weekend. Balshaw was carried off the field with a shin injury, which required minor surgery, during the game and returned to England yesterday.

Ashton has at least received some good news on the injury front with stand-off Jonny Wilkinson, who suffered a facial laceration and a bruised back, expected to train later this week. Flanker Andy Hazell sustained bruising to his left knee but will also return this week, while Pat Sanderson has recovered from a neck injury. Andy Farrell, David Strettle and Peter Richards are continuing their recovery from stomach viruses.

But the emphatic scoreline did not tell the full story of a strange game at Vodacom Park where

England frustrated try-hungry South Africa for two spells totalling 50 minutes, but still ended up conceding seven touchdowns.

Now England hooker Mark Regan has called on his team-mates to be fully prepared for the next Test.

He said: "We have to keep our heads up. We have another tidal wave coming at us next week, but at least we've got a chance of a second opportunity.

"It will take three or four days to get over that sort of physicality, to get our minds right and go out and try to give it our best shot, but you cannot play the game if you don't have belief."

While the Springboks were dismantling England, Australia were almost embarrassed by Wales before a late Stephen Hoiles try claimed a 29-23 triumph.

But Wallabies coach John Connolly concedes his line-up is still not finalised; most notably, at scrum-half where Matt Giteau, who scored a fine try against the Welsh, is battling to claim the No 9 jersey from George Gregan.

Connolly said: "Comparing what George offers and what Matt Giteau offers, you're not comparing apples with apples. Gregan always will be important and will be all the way through to the World Cup, but Matt also brings that strength to the midfield that we are looking for. We are searching a little bit at the moment."

Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson believes his side paid the price for indiscipline during the defeat by Argentina.

A last-gasp drop goal by Felipe Contepomi gave the Pumas a 22-20 win against Eddie O'Sullivan's side on Saturday, but Gleeson was left to rue a string of indiscretions which handed control of the match to the hosts.

He said: "We went into the break doing well but in the second half we just gave away too many penalties and Contepomi just punished us. Every time we gave away one penalty, he was there to score it and that's they way they took away our lead."

Gleeson compared the game's intensity with the 2003 World Cup Group match Ireland won 16-15 against the South Americans.

He said: "It was a great game to watch for the fans. It was intense and both teams had chances to win it."