Wilson: In good company
England scrum coach Graham Rowntree has backed prop David Wilson to bring the saviour of Australian scrummaging down to earth with a thump in Saturday's Twickenham clash.
Wilson, 24, will make only his second Test start in the wake of injuries to veteran tight-head pair Phil Vickery and Julian White and he could not have asked for a much tougher assignment.
Wilson's opposite number Benn Robinson is rated by England's management as the best loosehead in the Tri-Nations and they also credit him with transforming a once suspect Wallaby scrum.
"Robinson is a world leader," said Rowntree.
"He was the standout loosehead in the Tri-Nations. David is still young but we believe he's still up to the job.
"We want him to come through because he's got all the attributes. He's technically excellent in what he does.
"He's developed as a character and is performing more of a leadership role."
England demolished the Australian set-piece at Twickenham in 2005 and again in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final at the Stade Velodrome.
The Wallabies' weaknesses meant that in previous years they would utilise a full box of tricks in the hope of avoiding a full-on scrummaging contest but it would appear those dark days are over.
And Rowntree is gearing up for a full-on scrummaging battle, which is part of the reason Steve Thompson was brought in at hooker alongside Wilson and Tim Payne.
"I have a lot of respect for Australia," said Rowntree.
"The balance of power at the scrum shifted throughout the Tri-Nations. We are preparing for a good scrummaging contest.
"I've been very impressed with Steve Thompson. One thing he has done really well for Brive has been scrummaging. He's a big man and I've been very impressed with his attitude.
"We watched him closely in Brive and he's actually flowered in the environment we have in place here."
Thompson will win his 49th cap this weekend but will feature alongside Jonny Wilkinson in an England team for the first time since that 2003 World Cup final.
Lewis Moody also returns, bringing vital experience to an otherwise depleted England team, which includes six players who count their international caps in single figures.
"Thompson's leadership and maturity has really come through this week. His perspective on things, with what he has been through, has also been there," said team manager Martin Johnson.
"Jonny's leadership in the group has been fantastic, his communication with the players, and particularly the younger guys.
"These guys have seen what he has done over the last 10 years playing for England and it's a tremendous amount, so you can't really say too much more than that.
"It really helps someone like Davey Wilson to have a guy like Steve Thompson around. It is good to have characters like that around."
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