PARIS (AP) ¿ Mike Catt will wear the England flyhalf shirt against South Africa on Friday instead of Andy Farrell.

Coach Brian Ashton indicated on Wednesday that Farrell would wear the No. 10 shirt for the first time after Olly Barkley had joined Jonny Wilkinson on the injury list. Farrell, who has played six times for England at centre, is a convert from rugby league and is not used to playing at flyhalf in the 15-man code.

When Ashton held his news conference yesterday ahead of Group A's biggest confrontation at the Stade de France, he said Catt would be No. 10 but that he and Farrell would frequently swap roles in the line-up. Catt has played regularly at flyhalf before switching to centre.

"They (Andy Farrell and Mike Catt) will both be playing as inside backs and that's all I will say," Ashton said. "I said they would be both playing as inside backs. It doesn't matter does it? Alright, Catt at 10, Farrell at 12."

Catt, who turns 36 on Monday, is one of England's survivors from the 2003 World Cup triumph in Sydney and has become an even more valuable member of this squad after the injuries to Wilkinson, who has strained ankle ligaments, and Barkley, who has a hip problem.

Ashton said there was no question of Wilkinson replacing any of the squad members today.

"He's not playing (tonight). He's not in the 22," the England coach said. "We said that on Wednesday and why I have to repeat that I'm not quite sure. He's not playing. He's not fit to start training until next week.

"He'll be fine for the (September 22) Samoa game."