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Page last updated at 10:35 GMT, Sunday, 9 November 2008

Sackey talks up England potential

By James Standley
BBC Sport at Twickenham

Paul Sackey
Sackey formed a promising back three with Delon Armitage and Ugo Monye

Paul Sackey says England's new-look line-up is packed with potential but warns they will have to improve if they are to beat Australia next weekend.

England hit back after a slow start in coach Martin Johnson's first game to beat the Pacific Islanders 39-13.

"We will have to step it up another gear," said Wasps winger Sackey, who scored twice at Twickenham.

"There's a lot more to do but if we can get it right it could be outstanding with all the talent we've got."

In total, Johnson handed out five new caps and the inexperienced team took time to find their feet against the powerful visitors.

"It took a while for things to gel. The first half was quite slow but we were just trying to get into our rhythm," admitted Sackey, who has now scored 10 tries in 16 Tests.

"All over the park there were new combinations so we were never going to go out in the first half and be outstanding."

But Sackey said he thinks the Red Rose side have a "very exciting future" ahead of them.

His partnership with fellow wing Ugo Monye and full-back Delon Armitage drew plenty of praise but Sackey insisted: "There's potential everywhere - not just in the back three.

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"Danny Care and Danny Cipriani's partnership is going to be outstanding, and the locks as well.

"The future for English rugby is looking good."

Sackey claimed his second try when he just managed to get the ball down in the corner despite a head-high tackle from Pacific Islanders' blind-side flanker Semisi Naevo.

Asked what he was thinking in the aftermath of the horror tackle, Sackey admitted: "I can't really remember - I was just hoping it was a try."

England now turn their attentions to Australia, who Sackey describes as an "awesome" side.

The last time the two teams met England ended the Wallabies' 2007 World Cup hopes with a 12-10 victory in Marseilles but Sackey has no doubt about their quality.

"They've got talented players throughout their team," he said.

"It would have hurt massively losing the final in 2003 and then going out to us in France, so they'll be looking for revenge big time - they won't want to come over here and lose."

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see also
Johnson passes first test
08 Nov 08 |  English
England 39-13 Pacific Islanders
08 Nov 08 |  English
Pick your England XV
27 Oct 08 |  Squad Selector
Rugby union on the BBC
30 Oct 08 |  Rugby Union


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