KEY POINTS:
MARSEILLE - England coach Brian Ashton has named Andy Farrell at second five-eighth for the World Cup quarter-final against Australia at the Stade Velodrome here on Sunday (NZ time).
The former Great Britain rugby league captain will be joined by former Wigan team-mate Jason Robinson, named at full-back and a vital member of the World Cup-winning England team in 2003.
"For this game, we need the direct approach Andy Farrell that brings to the game," Ashton said of a player who skippered the British league team against the all-conquering Kangaroos before switching codes.
"He has come on a couple of times as a replacement and has done particularly well. He's been a threat to the opposition line, through his kicking game, defensive working and leadership and general game management.
"He has looked sharper and sharper as the tournament has gone on."
Squad captain Phil Vickery resumes the captaincy at tight-head prop at the expense of Matt Stevens, and will line up alongside veteran hooker Mark Regan and Andy Sheridan, who minced the Australian front-row when the two teams met in November 2005.
Ashton said the set-piece would be a crucial element of the game.
"It's going to be a massive battle, and we're happy we've got the right choice on the field," Ashton said.
Johnny Wilkinson and Andy Gomarsall, who not long ago was playing pub rugby, start at halfback, while former captain Lawrence Dallaglio failed to secure a starting berth.
He is named on the bench with Nick Easter playing No 8.
Lewis Moody, in his 50th game, faces off against George Smith at openside and Martin Corry starts at blindside.
Farrell is joined by Mathew Tait in the centre, with Paul Sackey and Josh Lewsey named on the wing.
"It's a huge game for everyone. It's Australia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup," said Vickery.
"It's going to be a very, very tough weekend for us but one we will rise to."
Australia won the first World Cup clash between the two rivals in the inaugural 1987 edition courtesy of a 19-6 win in Sydney with tries from Simon Poidevin and David Campese.
Four years later it was 2-0 with Australia winning 12-6 in the final at Twickenham although arguments still persist over whether or not Campese's knock down was deliberate and should have been punished with a penalty try.
In 1995, England got revenge with a 25-22 quarter-final win in Cape Town through an extra-time, 50-metre drop goal from Rob Andrew.
Then came 2003 and Sydney and Jonny Wilkinson's extra-time drop goal for a 20-17 win in the final.
ENGLAND
Jason Robinson; Paul Sackey, Mathew Tait, Andy Farrell, Josh Lewsey; Jonny Wilkinson, Andy Gomarsall; Nick Easter, Lewis Moody, Martin Corry; Ben Kay, Simon Shaw; Phil Vickery (capt), Mark Regan, Andrew Sheridan
Replacements: George Chuter, Matt Stevens, Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Peter Richards, Olly Barkley, Danny Hipkiss
- AFP
