The return of Martin Johnson as captain is the only change to the England side that beat world champions Australia for Saturday's Twickenham showdown with South Africa.

Johnson's reappearance in the second row means young Leicester lock Ben Kay drops to the bench following outstanding displays against Australia and Romania.

Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson, who amassed an England-record 44 points against Romania three days ago, is among the substitutes, making way for Jonny Wilkinson's return while Bath centre Mike Tindall is rewarded for an impressive two-try contribution during the 134-0 rout of Romania with a place among the substitutes.

England manager Clive Woodward is delighted to have Johnson back for what is certain to be a ferocious physical battle.

"I still think that Martin Johnson is the world's number one forward - he would have been in for the last couple of games had he not broken his hand, and he now returns to a very strong pack."

England have never previously beaten South Africa on three successive occasions, but they will achieve that notable feat if they topple the Springboks at a sell-out Twickenham this weekend.

England: J Robinson (Sale), A Healey (Leicester), W Greenwood (Harlequins), M Catt (Bath), D Luger (Harlequins), J Wilkinson (Newcastle), K Bracken (Saracens), G Rowntree (Leicester), D West (Leicester), P Vickery (Gloucester), M Johnson (Leicester, capt), D Greewcock (Bath), R Hill (Saracens), N Back (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps).

Replacements: M Regan (Bath), J Leonard (Harlequins), B Kay (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), C Hodgson (Sale), M Tindall (Bath), B Cohen (Northampton).