England has continued its cautious approach leading into the Rugby World Cup play-offs by making three late changes for its final pool match against Uruguay.

Prop Trevor Woodman has been scratched from starting the clash at Suncorp Stadium due to a back strain, while reserves Ben Cohen (calf) and Neil Back (ribs) have been rested with niggling injuries.

Veteran front-rower Jason Leonard replaces Woodman at loose-head while winger Jason Robinson and lock Ben Kay move onto the bench.

Coach Clive Woodward, who retained only four players from the starting side which beat Samoa 35-22, said the replacements were made as a precaution.

England's main concern is keeping its 30-man squad fully fit in order to select a full-strength team for its likely quarter-final against Wales in Brisbane next weekend.

He said Woodman's lower back strain occurred while lifting weights in the gym.

"It's nothing to worry about, he'll be staying with the squad and should be fit early next week," Woodward said on the Gold Coast.

It is a virtual second-string English outfit which meets the 20th-ranked Uruguayans who celebrated their first World Cup win this week over Georgia.

Meantime, England has stated it would be happy to have New Zealand referee Steve Walsh in charge of any of its future matches despite the official being suspended in the aftermath of last Sunday's 16-man fiasco.

Woodward said he had no hard feelings against Walsh, who was found to have acted inappropriately in dealing with England's fitness coach Dave Reddin during the extra-man drama in the 35-22 win over Samoa last Sunday.

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