VERSAILLES (Reuters) ¿ Coach Brian Ashton said yesterday he had detected an unprecedented mood of determination around the England camp as each new obstacle is overcome in their path to today's clash with South Africa.

The defending champions go into the pivotal Pool A game after a build-up ravaged by injuries, illness and suspension and still bruised from their leaden display in their opening win over the United States. English bookmakers rate the Springboks a remarkable 1-9 on to win the game and earn an easier run to the final but Ashton said all the week's problems had brought his players together.

"There is a mood within the squad that I've not seen since January when I took over, an atmosphere that I've not felt before," the coach told a news conference.

"I am disregarding the last performance, it will not happen again. The players would not want to be associated with that game and there is a completely different mindset for (today)."

Martin Corry, recalled to the back row and also made captain in the place of suspended Phil Vickery (pictured), agreed. "Things haven't gone our way and there's been a fair bit of adversity but in terms of uniting the squad it's great," he said.

"We've had the rollickings earlier in the week and we've deserved that and so from a player's perspective this couldn't come quick enough.

"We let ourselves down, let the supporters down and let the country down last week and we can't wait to put it all right at the next game.

"Everyone is really looking forward to it and, in terms of what's been going on, the ideal game is South Africa (tonight). There is so much riding on this, and with the physical challenge, every person in the squad just cannot wait."