Lancaster: Has named a completely different XV

England are in need of a spark after losing the first Test of their three-match series to South Africa in Durban on Saturday.

It has been suggested Wednesday's run-out in Kimberley against the Southern Barbarians, for which Lancaster has named a completely different XV, is an unnecessary distraction ahead of the second Test in Johannesburg.

Lancaster accepts there are drawbacks but feels such games, traditional on long tours, are still highly beneficial.

He said: "I think the pros of doing it outweigh the cons.

"There is an element where Wednesday would be a day off in a Test week and they are going to be travelling to Kimberley to support the midweek boys, but we think that is important as well.

"I think on balance we would have still preferred to have the midweek games, because it allows us to look at a wider group of players and coach them and work with them, on this particular type of tour.

"I think it is something I would like to do in future tours.

"The challenge is to make sure we, as coaches, get the balance right and our attention is directed in the right place at the right time."

Lancaster has decisions to make for Saturday's second clash against the Springboks after full-back Mike Brown and centre Brad Barritt were both ruled out through injury.

There are numerous permutations of how the back line could be reshaped and observers will look for clues in how long certain players feature against the Southern Barbarians.

Ben Foden would seem most likely to move off the wing back to his preferred full-back position in the Test side but Alex Goode could stake his claim for the number 15 shirt with a good showing in Kimberley.

Likewise winger David Strettle, injured for the first Test, will hope to prove his fitness.

In terms of players not featuring, the decision not to include London Irish centre Jonathan Joseph, who won his first cap off the bench last Saturday, has particularly sparked speculation he could take Barritt's place.

Yet Lancaster has also spoken of the importance of versatility and has pointed out that Manu Tuilagi, as well potentially moving from outside centre to inside centre, could play on the wing next Saturday.

He said: "Manu predominantly played his age-grade rugby on the wing.

"So there is that but I am trying to find people to fit roles and I think 13 is still an area we need to look at.

"I have said all along you have got to make sure you have different options in different positions.

"We have still got some decisions to make but it is an honest group and we have worked hard as a team and in units to identify the areas that we need to work on.

"Everyone takes responsibility for it."

Lancaster concedes he has little idea what to expect in Kimberley as England come up against a composite side mostly drawn from below the top tier of the South African domestic game.

He said: "We don't know too much about the opposition, all our focus has been on us, but we don't want to take them lightly.

"They will be very passionate and proud to play against international opposition. It will be a very tough encounter.

"But we will focus on us. It is quite refreshing in some ways not to worry about the opposition."