International Tour news: England captain Martin Johnson yesterday insisted there would be no let-up in intensity from his side when they chase another piece of history against Australia this weekend.
Johnson has been praised for his leadership in side's 15-13 victory over New Zealand last weekend, a win that set a national record for 12 consecutive Test triumphs.
But in the modern game there is no time to bask in glorious reflection - "it is something to look back on when you are an old man," said Johnson - and the next day England flew to Melbourne.
Johnson acknowledged there were dangers in thinking, particularly given the rarity of the fixture, that a win over New Zealand was the focal point of the tour Down Under. But he reminded his players that in 10 Test matches on Australian soil, no England side had ever beaten the Wallabies and this time they go into the game as favourites.
Johnson believes it is a positive situation for England, but urged his players to respond, warning that any lapse in concentration would be sorely punished: "I guess after the win it is important we refocus for this one, but we have addressed that these last couple of days. The guys are prepared for a big game, we are playing Australia in Australia and if we are not on the ball we will be behind very quickly.
"There is a lot of expectation from the public about this team, which is a good thing. Maybe it wasn't there a few years ago, but now we are expected to win all our games."
Much has been made of the contest in the tackle area, with Australia coach Eddie Jones yesterday urging referee David McHugh to closely police the breakdowns. It will be an intriguing contest given how aware England are of the importance of denying the Wallabies quick possession and subsequently the opportunity to play through he backs.
"If we let the Wallabies win as much possession and keep it as we did against the All Blacks, they will be very, very dangerous. That is their game," said Johnson.
"It's such a big part of the game, if you can slow down a team's ball at the breakdown it makes defending a lot easier - but you have got to do it legally."
New Zealand captain Reuben Thorne accused England of spoiling tactics, claiming their 15-13 victory was largely down to their ability to kill the ball. Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio went to the sin-bin for that offence, but Johnson was eager to point out England's game is not focused on tight, 10-man rugby.
Despite the negative press they received in New Zealand, Johnson stressed England want to spin the ball wide.
Australia's emergency outhalf Nathan Grey admitted it will take the energies of the entire Wallaby side to shut down England outhalf Jonny Wilkinson. Grey has stepped into the breach after Australia lost their only fit, Test-class outhalf Elton Flatley when the Queenslander overslept and missed a team recovery session following the victory over Wales last weekend.
Flatley was told to hot-foot it back to Brisbane for breaking the team code of conduct, but it left coach Eddie Jones with a quandary - with Stephen Larkham and Matt Giteau out injured, only inside centre Grey and winger Joe Roff were his back-ups. Jones opted for Grey, whose experience in the role is limited.
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