For a horrible few days I thought I was going to miss one of the biggest games of my career Matt Dawson Read Matt's latest column

Dawson limped off with a knee injury during England's opening World Cup victory over Georgia.

But along with centre Mike Tindall and flanker Richard Hill, who also picked up knocks, the scrum-half takes his place in a full-strength starting 15.

"Matt Dawson was 50-50, but we have got a world-class medical team. They are very experienced people, and this is our strongest side," said head coach Clive Woodward.

"The medical team has worked very, very hard. They're happy and I am happy."

The only changes are on the bench, where Kyran Bracken is deemed fit enough to take his place after recovering from a back problem.

England are now in the best possible situation entering the South Africa game From Ed Mee Have your say on Scrum V

He takes over from Andy Gomarsall, with Martyn Wood, who flew out to Australia on Monday as potential scrum-half cover, set to fly back home on Thursday in time to play for Bath in the Zurich Premiership on Saturday.

Martin Corry will provide second-row cover in place of Danny Grewcock, who broke his toe when Ben Cohen stood on it in the warm-up before the Georgia game.

But Woodward admitted Grewcock could play as a last resort if anything happens to Corry, Martin Johnson or Ben Kay before Saturday.

The other change sees Dorian West replace Mark Regan as the replacement hooker.

"This week has been no different to what happens between two Test matches that are close together. We are not taking any risks - it is not a game to take risks," said Woodward.

"It's the biggest game since Paris four years ago and were fully aware of that.

"It is a great match-up between two great rugby countries. That is what the World Cup should be about."

England team: Josh Lewsey; Jason Robinson, Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall , Ben Cohen; Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Dawson; Trevor Woodman, Steve Thompson, Phil Vickery, Martin Johnson (capt), Ben Kay, Richard Hill, Neil Back, Lawrence Dallaglio.