England’s Tom Croft targets win over in-form Australia
England forward Tom Croft feels that a win over Australia in their Test match on Saturday 13 November would be as significant as beating the All Blacks.
England lost 16-26 to New Zealand in last week’s encounter, but Croft believes that Australia are the team to beat in the Autumn Internationals, after they beat New Zealand 26-24 in the Bledisloe Cup.
The Australians beat Wales 16-25 in last weekend’s Test and their potent back line impressed once again.
Speaking to the press, Croft said: "They are the team to beat at the moment, so we've got to be perfect against them.”
The British and Irish Lion refused to accept that Australia were a better team than the English collectively or individually.
"I don't think we're playing catch-up with them at all, the quality of players we have can easily match what they have to offer in all areas of the game," said Croft.
Croft believes that England will have the edge over Australia if they can reproduce the same type of form that they showed in the second half against the All Blacks.
"If we can build on our performance in the second half last week, which was a step up from what we produced in Sydney, then we will be a tough team to beat,” said the forward.
England beat Australia 20-21 when the two teams last met in Sydney, but Australia captain Rocky Elsom believes that his side are a better team, having adopted a new attacking style of rugby.
“Certain guys have really improved. Our structures have improved a h**l of a lot, which is a good sign for us," said Elsom.
Australia will start the match as 4/6 favourites and England will know that they will have to stop players such as Matt Giteau and Quade Cooper.
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