England say they’ll kick off a campaign to turn Twickenham into their fortress ahead of hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they face World Cup group rivals Australia on Saturday.
The Cook Cup clash with the Wallabies kicks off England’s autumn campaign which also includes Tests against Argentina and the world champion All Blacks.
England hooker Tom Youngs makes no secret of the importance they place on getting a winning start against the Wallabies.
“We want to make Twickenham a massive fortress over the next two years, building up to the World Cup,” said Youngs on Monday.
“This game is huge for us – the first of a long international season so it’s massively important to set our stall out and get a good performance in.”
Twelve months ago the Wallabies limped into Twickenham for the corresponding clash after being battered 33-6 by France, but the predicted rout failed to materialise as the visitors won 20-14.
Youngs started that match and was then among seven Englishmen in the matchday squad that helped the British and Irish Lions to a resounding 41-16 victory in the series-deciding encounter at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium in July.
The experience of demolishing Australia in Sydney has been banked, but Youngs says it is the events of last November that are most relevant.
“The Lions might still be fresh in Australia’s minds, but this has always been one of the most enjoyable games of rugby. It’s England v Australia which is massive for us and massive for them,” Youngs said.
“Looking back at last year, they got the better of us so we’re looking to put that right. That’s our main motivation.
“We’ve looked back at that game in the last week to remind ourselves and get it fresh in our minds.”
Australia often bristle when the vulnerability of their scrum is mentioned, but they were flattened in the set piece in Sydney to the extent buckling prop Ben Alexander was hauled off after 50 minutes.
Youngs denies they are a soft touch, however, as he recalls a disappointing day for England’s scrum last autumn.
“The Aussie pack don’t get the credit they deserve at times. They’re all right, they can hold their own,” he said.
“Against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, they did well over there, so they will be a massive challenge for us.
“They got the better of us in the scrum last year, so it’s up to us to put that right.”