Catt plans to set duo free from Springboks’ stifling grip

Catt accepts England were stifled in attack and starved of chances, despite plenty of willing endeavour, in the first Test loss to South Africa in Durban.

England were edged out 22-17 at Kings Park and face a tough task to level the three-match series at altitude in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Former England international Catt said: “At the start of the second half we just didn’t get any momentum, that go-forward we had in the first half.

“That is a little bit disappointing and something we can look at.

“We will address it with the boys and let’s make sure we don’t put ourselves in those situations again.

“With the attacking options we have got, we would have liked to have had more ball in hand and I think that is something we have got to look at – why aren’t they getting more ball?”

England reshaped their back three with Harlequins full-back Mike Brown coming in for his first start in four years and Ben Foden moving to the left wing. Chris Ashton continued to fill the right-wing berth.

Brown made some encouraging runs, Ashton found a gap in the first half and Foden claimed England’s last-gasp consolation try, but otherwise it was a frustrating night for the trio.

Catt said: “Ash is working exceptionally hard, off his wing continually. Those chances haven’t come for him just yet.

“But the back three of Foden, Brown and Ash – it is the first time they have played together.”

Brown will miss the rest of the Test series after taking a bang to his thumb as Jean de Villiers burst through his challenge for South Africa’s second try.

Brown tweeted: “I’m broken! Heading bk sometime this week for an op.”

Centre Brad Barritt has also been ruled out of Saturday’s second Test in Johannesburg after an operation to repair a cut eyeball.

England performed strongly in defence but relentless Springbok pressure paid off in the second half as tries from Morne Steyn and captain de Villiers put the hosts into a decisive lead.

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree said: “I actually think the set-piece was a good area for us going into the last quarter.

“But the last couple of scrums – they brought on some fresh ‘cattle’ and we struggled to deal with that.

“That is something we will be working on this week but my overall feel from the forward pack, I was very pleased, particularly with the lineout.

“I have to make a special mention for Joe Marler and Tom Johnson, I thought their workrate was phenomenal.

“There are areas to improve on, as always against these big international teams, but we will improve in the week.”

Wales and Ireland also suffered Test defeats on Saturday to Australia and New Zealand, respectively.