There is little doubt that the England boys would have been watching the Australia v New Zealand game with a little trepidation.

The southern hemisphere giants produced a master class in rugby league football. They were both absolutely superb and the game had everything, but the most important thing was that Tim Sheens the Australian coach said that his side would be much better for that hit out.

Big Eorl: ready to fight like a giant

And boy what a hit out it was. England will have to throw everything at Australia - they cannot afford to miss one tackle and they cannot afford to get out of position. They have to work as one team and they have got to be brave.

England cannot go into this game trying to hold the Australians off - they will get ground down and Australia will just pick them off late in the game.

True grit

Tony Smith's men have to show true grit and spirit. England certainly have the quality in the forwards and I think that is where England can beat them.

But that means that the three-quarters have to play their part. I am pleased that Sam Tomkins is in and that indicates to me that Smith is not frightened to throw the young kid out into the deep end.

It is a great opportunity for Tomkins and I expect him to really take all the chances he gets. This is really the litmus test for him and for the young Kyle Eastman who starts on the bench once again. Either they will come through with flying colours or they will stutter. It is a brave move to show confidence in the two lads but I think they will pay Smith back with good performances.

The Kiwis showed that if you keep the ball alive you can break down the Aussie defence and that is what England have to do. From the very first minute Tomkins and McGuire have got to ask questions of the defence.

Kevin Sinfield showed late in that game against France just how capable he is but this is no time for building and he has to be very strong and confident from the first whistle. England are not going to have any time to get warmed-up in this game - this is it baby!

England need to get them on the back foot and then exploit those gaps - they have the speed so let's hope they come up with the creativity.

Giant steps

The forwards can do the job and the big fellow Eorl Crabtree is going to play a big part. He is big and strong but he also has to be ruthless and cruel, he stands like a giant so now he has to fight like a giant.

The Australians have just so much quality and the biggest question is how on earth do you stop Greg Inglis? He is big and strong and to my mind he is the best footballer in the world at the moment. He has skill and strength in all parts of his game so it is a big ask to try and stop him.

If England can get a try early and put a bit of doubt in the Aussie minds then we may just be able to do this - anything can happen. Adrian Morley is world class, Jamie Peacock is world class and so is James Graham. I am pleased that James Roby is starting and not coming off the bench as a secret weapon - this is the day that he plays a full 80 and really gets involved. He is going to be up against one of the world bests in Cameron Smith who showed he can control the ruck. However a few times around that ruck area against the Kiwis, Australia were a little slow to sort themselves out and I think Roby can capitalise on that.

If England get off to a shocker then it is going to be very hard to get back into this game. Australia are a tough enough nut to crack without letting them get a lead.

The skill factor of Darren Lockyer is another factor England have to deal with - he stands so deep when he launches an attack and can be mesmerising. Billy Slater is another Aussie who just oozes class and skill.

England have got to be strong and united. They can do it but we have to have the belief. The aim is to stun them from the start, bang straight into them and put them off their game.

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