Abbott faces minor op

England meet the Wallabies on Saturday after two heavy losses to New Zealand.

"We've had a lot of retirements, a lot of injuries and we're at the end of a long season," said Woodward.

"Australia won't have a better chance of beating England for a long, long time. This is their chance, see if they can take it or not."

Under Woodward, England have won their last five internationals against Australia stretching back to 2000, culminating in their epic 20-17 extra time win over the Wallabies in the World Cup final in Sydney last November.

I am convinced England can win if we get up for one last game Sir Clive Woodward

But since then England have been hit by retirements and injuries and have lost twice to the All Blacks over the last fortnight.

It could be the perfect chance for Australia coach Eddie Jones to avenge his side's World Cup final loss according to Woodward.

"We're rebuilding now, the World Cup is all history, and hopefully we'll put out a strong side despite the injuries we've picked up over the weekend and it will be a great Test match this weekend," he added.

"Probably Eddie Jones has never had a better chance of beating England... he hasn't succeeded yet."

LAST FIVE MEETINGS Nov 03: Aus 17-20 Eng Jun 03: Aus 14-25 Eng Nov 02: Eng 32-31 Aus Nov 01: Eng 21-15 Aus Nov 00: Eng 22-19 Aus

Although Australia-England Test matches are often preceded by mind games between the two coaches, Woodward is adamant he is not building up excuses should England fail to beat the Wallabies on Saturday.

"We're not here to make excuses, just state the facts," he added. "We're here to win a game of rugby and if you win you get a pat on the back and if you don't you cop it.

"I am convinced England can win this game if we get up for one last game."

Woodward will delay naming his team until Thursday to give World Cup heroes Mike Tindall (hip), Richard Hill (ankle) and Trevor Woodman (shoulder) time to recover from their injuries.

Centre Stuart Abbott (shoulder) has returned home to undergo a minor operation, while prop Matt Stevens - a replacement against New Zealand - will also miss the game after damaging knee ligaments.