England must beware 'wounded animal' Australia

Former Australia fly-half Brian Smith has warned the Wallabies will be a dangerous prospect for England at Twickenham on Saturday despite their poor form.

The England attack coach said the hosts should not be fooled by Australia's 32-19 Bledisloe Cup loss against New Zealand in Japan on Saturday.

Aussie coach Robbie Deans leads his side into the test as marginal favourites at 1.55 with Sportingbet's rugby betting market, with hosts England on 2.45.

Quoted by the Telegraph, Smith said: "International rugby is a very competitive arena and people will be wanting to talk them down and you do that against any opposition at your peril.

"They are wounded and probably more dangerous now because they are wounded."

Australia also won only one match in their six Tri-Nations games, although that victory came over world champions South Africa.

England are welcoming back star fly half Johnny Wilkinson for Saturday's game, after he spent 18 months out of the international game due to injury.

However, England have a host of injury problems, with some 20 previously capped players unavailable for Saturday.

Australia captain Rocky Elsom has described their opening grand slam tour match on Saturday as "massive" as his side look to restore credibility after their run of defeats.