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Easter hails `Connolly effect`

Easter: Facing the Wallabies 'would be a dream come true'

England loose forward Nick Easter has hailed the "massive effect" that Australia coach John Connolly has had on a hitherto humdrum Wallaby pack.

Easter hopes to be named in England's quarter-final team on Wednesday, after head coach Brian Ashton put back the planned announcement time by 24 hours.

Full-back Jason Robinson and flanker Tom Rees both resumed training yesterday before England left their Versailles base for the south of France.

But Lewis Moody and Paul Sackey were given an extra 24 hours to recover from the rigours of Friday's punishing Pool A victory over Tonga, while wing Mark Cueto (calf) engaged in running rehabilitation with the physiotherapists.

Ashton could assess full-back, inside centre, tighthead prop, lock and the back-row as areas for possible changes.

Harlequins number eight Easter though, looks likely to again keep out Lawrence Dallaglio, making a first World Cup appearance against Australia after watching the 2003 final at home before heading to Otley for a National League One fixture with his former club Orrell.

"It would be a dream come true," he said.

"I have been lucky enough to play in the majority of the games so far, and hopefully I will be lucky enough to be picked on Saturday.

"It will be the biggest game I've played so far, if I manage to get on the pitch, just being part of this famous England-Australia sporting rivalry.

"I think John Connolly has had a massive effect on Australia's forward play - it is hugely improved.

"They've become pretty formidable in that area, but we like a challenge there too."

Former England head coach Andy Robinson, meanwhile, has backed the reigning world champions to make their presence felt at Stade Velodrome.

Robinson, yesterday installed as Edinburgh's new boss, told Sky Sports: "We've got the ability to score some tries if we get some ball.

"It is a one-off match, and England have the ability to beat Australia, they really do.

"But the key will be how we start, and the areas of the field we play.

"The England pack is gelling, and I think they will cause Australia some problems at set-pieces.

"Jonny Wilkinson has the ability to accumulate points, and also tactically, he will make a big, big difference."

Off the field, England are braced for a predictable barrage of Australian verbal banter this week in the build-up to their biggest Test since 2003.