WORCESTER Warriors centre Si-mon What-ling has been ruled out of England's under 21 World Championship fixture against South Africa with a knee injury.

Whatling played a starring role in England's 52-22 win against 11th seeds Samoa last week.

However, with England meeting France in their final group game on Friday, coach Nigel Redman refused to risk the Worcester flyer in tonight's clash.

"I got a bit of a bang on my knee," said Whatling. "I'm not going to be quite ready for South Africa.

"I'm going to rest and give myself time to heal rather than pound the knee again. Fingers crossed I'll make the France game."