Sir Clive talks down England hopes

England coach Sir Clive Woodward has played down his side's chances of knocking over the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, saying that 'Australia won't have a better chance of beating England for a long, long time'.

The English tourists arrived in Australia for the Rugby World Cup Final 'rematch' after succumbing to two hefty defeats to the All Blacks in New Zealand.

In addition to the loss of banned lock, Danny Grewcock, a rather ominous injury cloud has followed the touring party across the Tasman Sea.

Woodward has delayed naming his side until Thursday to give centre Mike Tindall (hip), flanker Richard Hill (ankle) and prop Trevor Woodman (shoulder) time to recover from their injuries.

Meanwhile, injured centre Stuart Abbott has returned to Britain for a minor operation after damaging his shoulder, whilst props Mike Worsley and Will Green have been flown in to bolster England's depleted resources.

Given the situation, Woodward's customary call to arms at Tuesday's press conference was tempered with an acknowledgement that his side will be up against it this Saturday.

"We've had a lot of retirements, a lot of injuries and we're at the end of a long season," said Woodward.

"We're rebuilding now, the World Cup is all history, and hopefully we'll put out a strong side with some of those injuries we've picked up over the weekend - but it will be a great Test match this weekend.

"Australia won't have a better chance of beating England for a long, long time. This is their chance, see if they can take it or not.

"Probably Eddie Jones has never had a better chance of beating England - he hasn't succeeded yet."

Indeed, England have won their last five Test matches against the Wallabies, including the 20-17 victory that secured the Webb Ellis Trophy, and Woodward was certain that the home side would be looking to redress the balance.
 
"They'll be up for the game on Saturday night -  but I am convinced England can win if we get up for one last game," he said.