Safe option helps Perry join elite

Bath's Matt Perry will become the latest England player to break a record when he wins his 34th cap against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

Perry, 23, overtakes Jonathan Webb as England's most capped full-back after team manager Clive Woodward opted for his security under the high ball against a Springbok side that uses the kick as a major attacking weapon.

It took Webb six years to amass his cap total and Perry has eclipsed him in just three, making his debut in November 1997 against Australia.

That means Iain Balshaw, the exciting Bath utility back, returns to the replacements bench after starting for the first time in Saturday's 19-0 win over Argentina.

Balshaw took a couple of wrong options in attack which cost England tries, but he is certain to see action at some point on Saturday.

The only other change in the England line up sees London Wasps hooker Phil Greening fit to regain the hooker's role from Mark Regan whose scrummaging power earned him a recall against the Pumas.

Greening suffered a leg injury in the win over Australia which may require minor surgery at the end of the season.

Julian White, the Saracens prop, makes a second successive start at tight-head with Phil Vickery, of Gloucester, expected to replace him during the match as Woodward swaps his front row men around. Dorian West, the Leicester hooker, drops out of the match squad after covering for the injured Greening last weekend.

Scrum-half Matt Dawson did enough in the victory over Argentina to retain the No 9 jersey and Kyran Bracken, of Saracens has to be content with a place on the bench alongside Balshaw and Will Greenwood, the Harlequins centre, who has been pressing for a start in the midfield.

However, Woodward has opted for the physical presence of Mike Tindall and Mike Catt who have yet to ensure the back line brings wings Ben Cohen and Dan Luger fully into the action.

England have put together successive wins over South Africa, Australia and Argentina while the Springboks have beaten Argentina, Ireland and Wales on their short tour.