From Steve Douglas in London, England
November 03, 2009 Australia coach Robbie Deans believes the certainty and inspiration that Jonny Wilkinson brings to England will make them even more dangerous at Twickenham on Saturday.
Wilkinson kicked the drop goal that sunk the Wallabies in the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney, but has suffered a raft of serious injuries over the past six years.

The fly half has been rejuvenated since his summer move to French club Toulon, however, and has recently labelled himself a "way better'' player than he was in 2003.

Fully fit and in great form, Wilkinson is the man Australia most fear ahead of this weekend's Cook Cup match, the first of the Wallabies' four-match tour of Britain and Ireland.

"His influence on his peers will be valuable in terms of the confidence he'll bring to them (England),'' Deans told reporters in London.

"There will be a lot of expectation on him to play at the same standard that he's renowned for. I don't think that pressure or expectation will be a big deal for Jonny.

"He essentially won England the World Cup so inevitably there will be a lot of expectation. But I don't imagine he'll have changed much as a player.

"I think the most critical element that has happened to England is the introduction of Jonny because that has brought a lot more certainty around their game.''

Matt Giteau will go toe to toe with Wilkinson, Test rugby's leading points scorer, for the first time as a fly half and the Wallabies playmaker cannot speak highly enough of the 30-year-old.

"Every time Jonny has played for England he's inspired the players around him,'' Giteau said.

"His kicking game steers the team around really well, he's got a lot of experience and has proved time and time again that he's a big-game player.

"If you're ill-disciplined, he's capable of kicking them from anywhere.''

England are without a host of key players for Saturday's match because of injury, but Australia have had their problems too.

Former skipper Stirling Mortlock will only return to action next week while vice-captain Berrick Barnes joined injured quartet Nathan Sharpe, Phil Waugh, Nick Cummins and Rob Horne in the treatment room when he tore ankle ligaments in training last week.

It robs Giteau of a chance to further his blossoming midfield partnership with Barnes, which has been one of this year's bright spots for Deans.

"The way we were training before Berrick got injured was great,'' Giteau said. "We had a good combination and I think we were training the best we ever have. From that point of view, it's very disappointing not to have Berrick here. He's a huge loss.''

Lock Dean Mumm will lead a second-string Wallabies side against English club Gloucester on Tuesday, with centre Ryan Cross the only player remaining from the team that started against the All Blacks.

England have put back the announcement of their team by 24 hours to Wednesday as team manager Martin Johnson grapples an injury crisis.

"Due to a number of players joining and leaving the squad over the last few days we have not reached a final decision on our 22 for Saturday's match against Australia and therefore we have decided to delay naming the Test side until Wednesday,'' Johnson said.

England have lost 11 of their initial 32-man senior elite squad, including six who toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in June and July, plus last year's player of the year, Delon Armitage.

Agence France-Presse

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html