England have drafted London Irish centre Mike Catt into the starting line-up ahead of tomorrow's World Cup quarter-final against Australia.

The 36-year-old will take over from Andy Farrell in midfield after the former rugby league player suffered a calf muscle injury in training. Catt will be winning his 73rd cap.

Catt has not featured in the tournament since England suffered a record 36-0 World Cup defeat against his native South Africa three weeks ago.

His experience and big-match temperament means that he will be crucial to England's cause as they target a semi-final appointment with New Zealand or France in Paris tomorrow week.

Ashton appeared to face a choice between Catt, Olly Barkley and Newcastle's Toby Flood for the number 12 shirt.

Barkley, though, had a poor game defensively against Tonga last Friday, and was not named amongst the substitutes.

Australia are firm favourites to end England's reign as world champions at Stade Velodrome, and therefore avenge their 2003 final defeat in Sydney.