England crashed to an embarrassing 36-0 defeat — their biggest in World Cup history — as they made their hopes of a successful Webb Ellis Trophy defence look very unlikely against South Africa at Stade de France.

The reigning world champions had endured a difficult week, losing skipper Phil Vickery to a two-match ban, while fly-halves Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley missed out through injuries, meaning that former Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell and 35-year-old Mike Catt taking on huge responsibility as England's principal midfield backs.

Elsewhere, Jason Robinson moved from wing to full-back instead of Mark Cueto, while South Africa-born prop Matt Stevens replaced Vickery.

The Springboks were also missing key men, without suspended flanker Schalk Burger, meaning a call-up for Wickus van Heerden, and Francois Steyn took over from Jean de Villiers in midfield.

Farrell's left boot swung the game into action, but South Africa made the early in-roads and took just six minutes to ease in front.

Wing JP Pietersen evaded England scrum-half Shaun Perry's tackle, and although support runner Fourie du Preez was ankle-tapped by Robinson, flanker Juan Smith supported superbly to claim a quality try. Full-back Percy Montgomery, who equalled Joost van der Westhuizen's South Africa cap record of 89, slotted the conversion for a 7-0 lead, sounding immediate alarm bells.

England were off the pace, and Steyn compounded their woes by booting a 45-metre penalty after 10 minutes that left England already facing a mountain of Himalayan proportions.

It was a nightmare start for the world champions, whose worst fears had already been confirmed by a Springboks side hell-bent on smashing them beyond repair.

England's first scoring chance came when Catt rifled a 14th minute drop-goal attempt wide, and there was already a sense of desperation in the ranks.

The Springboks' high tempo shunted England on to the back foot, and there was little captain Martin Corry could do about it.

As against the USA in Lens last Saturday, England created little, lacking imagnnation that meant South Africa were simply able to pick up the pieces and continue dominating after half-time.

Montgomery increased South Africa's 20-0 lead through a 46th-minute penalty, and, knowing the game was won, they were content to play a territory game, pinning England back and looking to take their chances. Pietersen added another try, and Montgomerie kicked the rest.

Coach Brian Ashton tinkered with his side, sending on Andy Gomersall for Shaun Perry, flanker Lewis Moody for Tom Rees, and George Chuter for Mark Regan, but his problems were compounded when Jason Robinson, by far England's best player, was forced off the pitch and possibly out of the tournament with a hamstring pull.