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England With Jonny Wilkinson Face Australia

Saturday, 07 November 2009 09:50
England manager Martin Johnson has insisted England have learnt from last year's defeat by Australia and won't give away so many soft penalties at Twickenham.

Despite being hit by a string of injuries Johnson is confident of a more disciplined display against Australia.

England have been hit hard by injuries in the build-up to the autumn internationals and are without 11 of their initial squad.

Shane Geraghty will make his first England start while Matt Banahan, Ugo Monye, Dan Hipkiss and David Wilson all have fewer than 10 caps.

"That improvement is what we are striving for," Johnson told reporters. "I am confident in the players that they can do it."

England are boosted by the return to fitness of Jonny Wilkinson who has been showing good form for his club Toulouse.

Australia captain Rocky Elsom has warned the Wallabies not to underestimate the new-look England side. Elsom believes the depth of talent available to England will ensure they are competitive.

The Australians are unleashing a new-look centre combination of Quade Cooper and Digby Ione after injuries.


 
 

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