England's faltering grip on the Webb Ellis Cup is likely to be further weakened by South Africa tonight when the holders face what looks an insurmountable challenge in the most eagerly awaited match of the pool stage.

Both teams should progress from Pool A but, just as when they met at the same stage four years ago, victory will earn a probable European path to the final whereas defeat would bring Australia and New Zealand into the equation.

Expectations are different now too, with South Africa fully anticipating coming out on top at the Stade de France and England needing something of a miracle.

England were struggling coming into the tournament but things have gone even further downhill since they arrived after a weary-looking display got them past the United States 28-10 in their opener.

Jonny Wilkinson missed that game and his flyhalf replacement Olly Barkley has been ruled out of today's clash, while captain and key prop Phil Vickery is suspended.

The result is that England's hopes hinge largely on Andy Farrell, a six-cap rugby league convert who has never played flyhalf and hung up his kicking boots years ago.

It has not all been smooth running for South Africa either with a tournament-ending injury for Jean de Villiers and suspension for Schalk Burger but they come into the game in considerably better shape and rated 1-9 favourites to win it.

In their first match they produced a terrific all-round display to first subdue then over-run Samoa 59-7 in a very physical encounter.

Unlike England they have settled combinations in key areas, not least in the second row where Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will extend their national record pairing to 33 Tests and should dominate the lineout.

Coach Jake White, however, remains fully focused. "The only people that have written off England are the media," he said. "England will have six, seven, eight players who were involved in a rugby World Cup final four years ago so I don't think it's going to be a one-sided affair at all."

Burger's ban reduced

Meanwhile, South Africa flanker Schalk Burger's four-match suspension for a high tackle in the match against Samoa was reduced on appeal to two matches.

The decision was made at a hearing in Paris.