Woodward plays down chances

Giteau slots back alongside Stirling Mortlock after shaking off the flu that kept him out of last weekend's victory over Scotland.

The Wallabies side features 12 of the starting line-up from the World Cup final last November.

Two changes are injury-enforced with Joe Roff at full-back for Mat Rogers and Giteau replacing Elton Flatley.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has also ditched his World Cup policy of playing both George Smith and Phil Waugh - Australia's specialist open-side flankers - in the same team.

We know what to expect, we are focussed, and we have prepared well Australia coach Eddie Jones

ACT Brumbies revelation Radike Samo will start at blind-side flanker with Waugh retaining the number seven jersey.

But utility back Mark Gerrard was been ruled out of the Australia team just hours after he was selected to make his Test debut due to a torn hamstring.

Reserve hooker Jeremy Paul is also in danger of being sidelined after injuring his knee in a dreadful training session for the Wallabies.

Gerrard, 21, was named on the bench for the first time but was forced to pull out after tearing his hamstring 20 minutes before the end of Wednesday night's training session.

Matt Henjak, who sat on the bench during last week's second Test win over Scotland, was recalled to replace Gerrard.

Giteau has won 11 caps for Australia - dating back to his debut off the bench against England at Twickenham in 2002 - but only made two starts.

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

Jones, though, is confident he is ready to tackle England on Saturday.

"He's played at a high level for a couple of seasons now and is ready for the challenge of starting in a big Test like this one," said Jones.

"It was disappointing for Matt to miss out on a starting opportunity against Scotland last weekend, but he has the experience and skill to step up this weekend."

Jones, who has not beaten England as Wallabies coach in four attempts, insisted his squad is ready to step up to the challenge.

"They are the world champions, the number one team in the world. They are an experienced, physical side and I know they will lift for Saturday's Test," said Jones.

"We know what to expect, we are focused, and we have prepared well."

Australia: J Roff; W Sailor, S Mortlock, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (captain); B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter, J Harrison, N Sharpe, R Samo, P Waugh, D Lyons
Replacements: M Dunning, J Paul, D Vickerman, G Smith, C Rathbone, M Henjak, C Latham.