Coach backing Burrow

Burrow: tough

Australia v England

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England coach Tony Smith insists he has no worries about Australia targeting scrum-half Rob Burrow in Sunday's World Cup clash.

The world champions' forwards are expected to run at the Leeds half-back, who at 5ft 5in, is the smallest player in the tournament, in the pool A match at Telstra Dome.

But Smith - who coached Burrow at Leeds - said: "I've got no dramas with Rob. He's a tough little thing and he can put people on their heads.

"He's shown that for years and years now in Super League. Everybody spots him because of his size but I've got no drama. They can spot him as much as they like."

Green and Golds scrum-half Thurston was man of the match in Australia's 30-6 win over the Kiwis in Sydney last Sunday, less than 48 hours after the violent death of his uncle, but bruised one of his shoulders which has previously been re-constructed.

The North Queensland captain is expected to play after scans cleared him of major damage but he is also certain to be targeted by the England forwards.

"He'll get tested at some stage," confirmed Smith. "We're not going to go out of our way but it's pretty well publicised that he's got a crook shoulder so I'm sure some of the boys will test him out at some stage.

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't play."