Report: England 84-6 Georgia Johnson hails Georgia

England scrum-half Matt Dawson is hopeful of shaking off his leg injury in time for Saturday's crucial pool game against South Africa.

Dawson limped off after taking a knock to his leg during England's comprehensive 84-6 win over Georgia, adding to coach Clive Woodward's selection woes at number nine.

Kyran Bracken missed the game with a niggling back injury, while Dawson's replacement Andy Gomarsall also suffered a knock to his leg.

As a result, Bath scrum-half Martyn Wood will join England's camp on Tuesday as potential cover.

Gomarsall has since been declared fit while Bracken's back complaint remains a major concern.

Despite that, Dawson, rated only 50-50 to face the Springboks, remained confident Wood's services would not be required.

Read Matt Dawson's column in full

He told the BBC Sport website: "I took a heavy bang on the side of the leg. It's really only a precaution and it's too early to tell the extent of the damage.

"Hopefully everything will be okay to face the Springboks at the weekend.

"We should know a lot more when the initial bruising and swelling subsides in a day or so."

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Woodward insisted Wood's call-up was no more than a precaution at this stage.

The England boss said: "We will monitor the players' progress every 24 hours up to, and including, Thursday before making a final decision on their availability for the South Africa game.

"Martyn is not joining the squad. However, if he is required, then he will do a good job.

"We had to make a quick decision to get him on the first plane out here, because of jetlag and safety reasons. We will find out the position later on in the week. If Bracken and Dawson are okay, Wood will fly straight back again."

Bath head coach John Connolly professed his delight at Wood's call-up.

He said: "We are all pleased for Martyn as he thoroughly deserves his call-up.

"We don't know exactly how long Martyn will be out there - it depends on the fitness of both Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken. The best case scenario is that he may be back in Bath for the weekend, but that is a long shot."

Grewcock injury blow

Danny Grewcock has already been ruled out of the next two games with a broken toe.

The injuries come as a big blow after England got their campaign to win a first Rugby World Cup off to an impressive start by subduing a resolute Georgian side.

Woodward's side scored 12 tries in wet conditions at the Subiaco Oval with eight coming in the second-half as the opposition wilted under the England barrage.

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In all 10 different players got on the try-scoring sheet, equalling the World Cup record set by New Zealand on two previous occasions, against Japan in 1995 and Italy in 1999.