 Connolly is a former coach of Bath and Swansea |
Australia coach John Connolly has warned the Wallabies that an under-strength England party will still pose formidable opposition next month. England beat Australia at Twickenham last year but endured a poor Six Nations and travel down under with many big names missing.
"We'll be facing a pack every bit as strong as the one we faced in November," said Connolly.
"England have so much depth they should be about favourites for the World Cup."
England's scrum outclassed Australia during the 26-16 defeat at Twickenham as the Wallabies slumped to eight defeats in nine matches, a run which led to former coach Eddie Jones' dismissal in December.
"Last year was very much a reality check for us," said Connolly.
"Watching the Super 14, I'm not sure our scrummaging has improved.
"I think the breakdown and line-out work looks better but we've our work cut out.
"England, France, New Zealand have all moved on and we have to make sure we keep up. We're a tight, well organised bunch and we have a tough year ahead of us."
 |  Sailor was only a fringe selection for the squad |
England named their 30-man squad on Monday for the Tests in Sydney on 11 June and Melbourne on 17 June.
Several key forwards will be missing - either injured or rested - including skipper Martin Corry, Lawrence Dallaglio, Simon Shaw and Danny Grewcock.
The England, who won just two of their five Six Nations matches, lost 51-15 to Australia in Brisbane on their last visit Down Under in 2004.
But Connolly, the former Bath and Swansea coach, said England would still present a tough challenge.
"It's tough on England because of the expectation after their World Cup win but that side is an experienced one in all parts of the field," he said.
"They will be very well prepared, make no mistake, and we must match them in that respect."
Connolly names his first Australia squad as coach next week.
But he appeared to bring down the curtain on Wendell Sailor's international career.
The former rugby league star was notified of a failed drugs test last week and could face a two-year ban if his second sample proves positive.
"He may have made the squad or he may not," said Connolly.
"He was only a fringe selection for the squad and his form and nothing else would have been the big factor of whether he had played or not."
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