England call up Waldrom

Dunedin - England on Monday called up Leicester No 8 Thomas Waldrom as cover for the injured Nick Easter, who missed Sunday's World Cup win over Georgia with a back problem.

Easter's place for the 41-10 victory went to James Haskell, with Haskell's bench position filled by Louis Deacon.

But Waldrom will offer extra cover and was set to fly out to New Zealand on Monday, according to England manager Martin Johnson.

"Nick Easter is still suffering from a sore back so we will be bringing Thomas out as temporary cover," Johnson said.

"We've obviously spoken to Leicester and Thomas will be flying later today (Monday)," added Johnson.

England stressed Waldrom was not an official replacement for prop Andrew Sheridan, who last week was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup with a shoulder injury suffered in the tournament-opening 13-9 victory over Argentina.

No decision has yet been taken on the Sale front-row's replacement.

England have also had fitness concerns over captain Lewis Moody, who played against Georgia after six weeks out with a knee injury.

England wing Chris Ashton injured his elbow scoring his second try against Georgia while prop Matt Stevens suffered an ankle problem in Sunday's match but Johnson, speaking after the game, was confident both were minor knocks.

Brian Smith, England's attack coach, said on Monday that Mark Cueto was available for selection against Romania this coming Saturday following a back problem that has so far helped sideline the experienced wing at this World Cup.