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Australia v England, preview
Venue & time
Stade Velodrome, Marseille. Saturday October 6, 11pm (AEST).
Head to head
Played 34: Australia 20, England 13, Drawn 1
Last time
June 17, 2006 Telstra Dome (Melbourne) Australia 43-18 England
Team changes
Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock is expected to be return in the centres alongside Matt Giteau after spending the past two weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. George Gregan should return at scrumhalf after earning a rest last start, while Berrick Barnes will again start at pivot for the injured Stephen Larkham. Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper will battle it out for the left wing role but utility back Scott Staniforth has failed to recover from a shoulder injury and has been ruled out leaving the door open for Cameron Shepherd, Julian Huxley or Morgan Turinui to claim a bench spot.
Up front, Matt Dunning and Guy Shepherdson are the likely starting props with Stephen Moore at hooker. Dan Vickerman and Nathan Sharpe will be the locks with George Smith, Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu making up the rest of the pack. Al Baxter's versatility should win him a bench spot alongside reserve hooker Adam Freier. Hugh McMeniman, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh and Stephen Holies will contest the remaining bench spots.
England coach Brian Ashton has made a number of changes to his starting line-up for this crucial match. Phil Vickery is back at tighthead prop in place of Martin Stevens and takes over the captaincy duties from Martin Corry. Veteran Mark Regan starts ahead of George Chuter at hooker and forms a formidable front row with Andrew Sheridan at loosehead. Simon Shaw replaces Steve Borthwick in the second row while the rest of the pack remains unchanged.
In the backs, rugby league convert Andy Farrell is a surprise selection at inside centre, while Jason Robinson returns from injury at fullback, with Josh Lewsey moving to the wing.
Form
Australia can be pleased with its form in the tournament so far after finishing on top of Pool B. The Wallabies opened with a 91-3 hiding of Japan before downing Wales 32-20 in a pressure match in Cardiff. Key players were rested in the wins over Fiji (55-12) and Canada (37-6) but injuries in the backline haven't helped the Aussies' campaign as it approaches the knockout stage.
World champ England started its title defence slowly with an unconvincing 28-10 win over the USA followed by a record 36-0 loss to South Africa. However, the old dart has picked up some momentum with disciplined wins over Samoa (44-22) and Tonga (36-20) in two bruising encounters.
Who's hot
Wallabies centre Matt Giteau has been outstanding in the tournament so far. He has been elusive in attack and always looks composed. Fullback Chris Latham is returning to top form while youngster Berrick Barnes has taken all before him with aplomb. Dunning has been impressive up front while Vickerman and Elsom have also put in some eye-catching displays.
England centre Matthew Tait has been a revelation during this Rugby World Cup. His pace and step has ensured opposition backlines need to keep a close eye on him. Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is always a danger with his composure and his unerring left boot while scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall has been at his wily best at the base of the scrum. Up front prop Sheridan has been impressive while the experience of Martin Corry has also been a telling factor in England's increase in momentum. Vickery's return should also bolster their confidence.
We think
Revenge is a dish best served cold and the Aussie will be scooping out ice-cream to the Poms. Wilkinson will prove a thorn but not much more. We've been waiting for this for four years – so let's savor the moment – Wallabies by 14.
Teams
Australia
1 Matt Dunning
2 Stephen Moore
3 Guy Shepherdson
4 Nathan Sharpe
5 Daniel Vickerman
6 Rocky Elsom
7 George Smith
8 Wycliff Palu
9 George Gregan
10 Berrick Barnes
11 Lote Tuqiri
12 Matt Giteau
13 Stirling Mortlock (c)
14 Adam Ashley-Cooper
15 Chris Latham
16 Adam Freier
17 Al Baxter
18 Hugh McMeniman
19 Stephen Hoiles
20 Phil Waugh
21 Julian Huxley
22 Drew Mitchell
England
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. Mark Regan
3. Phil Vickery (captain)
4. Simon Shaw
5. Ben Kay
6. Martin Corry
7. Lewis Moody
8. Nick Easter
9. Andy Gomarsall
10. Jonny Wilkinson
11. Josh Lewsey
12. Andy Farrell OUT
13. Mathew Tait
14. Paul Sackey
15. Jason Robinson
16. George Chuter
17. Matt Stevens
18. Lawrence Dallaglio
19. Joe Worsley
20. Peter Richards
21. Olly Barkley
22. Dan Hipkiss