Fourie’s World Cup dream ended by Moody

The 31-year-old South Africa-born openside, who qualifies for England on residency grounds after spending six years with Rotherham Titans and Leeds Carnegie, was one of nine players to be told he would not be part of the 30-man team that will attempt to win the Webb Ellis Trophy in New Zealand.

The rehabilitation of captain Lewis Moody has prompted Fourie’s omission with Tom Croft, Tom Wood, Nick Easter and James Haskell all vying for one of three shirts in the back row. Fourie’s seventh cap was earned in the defeat to Wales 10 days ago and unless he is brought back should Moody be deemed unfit, it will probably be his last.

Centre Riki Flutey was another high-profile omission while Joe Simpson is the man to benefit from the cruel timing of Danny Care’s injury, with the uncapped Wasps scrum-half replacing the stricken, Leeds-born No 9.

Simpson, 23, will travel as England’s third specialist scrum-half behind Ben Youngs – who is back in training after a knee operation – and Richard Wigglesworth. Johnson had considered taking only two scrum-halves to New Zealand, with Ben Foden and Flutey to provide back-up. But the ripple effect of England’s decision to take three specialists ultimately left no space in the final squad, comprising 17 forwards and 13 backs, for Flutey.

Johnson’s midfield is made up of Otley-born World Cup winner Mike Tindall, former Bradford Bulls powerhouse Shontayne Hape and raw but exciting outside centre Manu Tuilagi, who made a scoring debut against Wales earlier this month.

Johnson said: “The composition of the squad is very important and we think we have the right mix in the group.

“There were some very tough phone calls made last week. Everybody came into this camp and worked extremely hard and some players just missed out.

“For us now, though, it is important to look forward – there is a great sense of unity in this group and we are pleased with the depth across the squad.

“We have a number of leaders and experienced players and have named Lewis Moody as squad captain. We are confident he will play a pivotal role for us in New Zealand.”

Tim Stimpson’s World Cup verdict: Page 19.