England star Josh Lewsey has been ruled out of Sunday morning's World Cup final after picking up a hamstring injury in the semi-final win over France.

The Wasps wing/full-back pulled out before half-time in Sunday's 14-9 victory at Stade de France in Paris.

The 30 year old was sent for a scan last night which confirmed that he had suffered a grade one strain.

England coach Brian Ashton now faces a likely choice between recalling Mark Cueto or keeping Matthew Tait on the wing, where he finished Sunday's game and Dan Hipkiss who impressed as a replacement against France at centre.

Veteran Lawrence Dallagio admitted that his club and country colleagues absence against South Africa is a big blow for the defending champions especially when he was instrumental in scoring the only try in the semi-final against France.

Defending champion England will take on South Africa on Sunday at 7am.