QBE Series: England must beat Australia to salvage autumn says Stuart Lancaster

Stuart Lancaster admits England have to curb their over eagerness to attack if they are to salvage an autumn-saving victory over 2015 World Cup group rivals Australia.

Lancaster's side halted a run of five successive international defeats with a 28-9 victory over Samoa at Twickenham, but the wounds left by New Zealand and South Africa in the opening two fixtures of the QBE Series will only begin to heal if the Wallabies are toppled.

We know we need to improve to beat a quality side like Australia

Missed chances and tactical naivety limited Lancaster's England to only three tries against the Pacific islanders distracted by a dispute with their union over mismanagement.

"We have a youthful exuberance about us when it comes to wanting to play a bit, but as the weather closed in we needed to put ball in right areas," Lancaster said.

"Overall, the ability to play in the right areas of the field against a side like Australia will be important and we need to improve in that area.

"I would have taken coming away with that final scoreline at the start of the day.

"It will relieve some of that pressure from the outside, but equally we'll be pretty disappointed with some elements of our game.

"We know we need to improve to beat a quality side like Australia."

Optimism

Bath's George Ford produced an accomplished full debut at fly-half, which was a source of genuine optimism and the 21-year-old is likely to continue pulling the strings against the Wallabies.

Owen Farrell is expected to continue at inside centre as Lancaster gauges the twin playmaking option for a second time, with assured scrum-half Ben Youngs supplying the ammunition.

"It wasn't a dry day and it wasn't a game for running rugby. The set plays we used to get George and Owen going were effective," Lancaster said.

"Jonny May's first try came off a nice link between the two of them. It was a good start, but there a lot of 'work-ons' for us as a team.

"It was a really composed performance by George helped by good service and delivery from Ben, who got his kicking spot on. It was a great start from them as half-backs."

Lancaster, who revealed Courtney Lawes is a doubt to face Australia because of a knee problem, was delighted with the finishing of May, who demonstrated his devastating pace for the first of his two tries.

May's international career appeared to be hanging by a threat after the summer tour to New Zealand, but three touch downs in as many games have earned him an extended run in the team.

"Jonny is a quick learner. It's a big step up to go from top-end club rugby to top-end international rugby and he has taken a while to adapt," Lancaster said.

"He responds well to coaching and responds well to positive support and encouragement. If you tell him to back himself, he backs himself. That has been the difference."

Watch England v Australia on Sky Sports 2HD from 1.30pm Saturday