GRAHAM Rowntree insists Southampton rugby star Mike Brown and the rest of the England side will embrace the expectation of a nation when they attempt to save their World Cup by toppling Australia.

The hosts’ tournament will be over in a mere 16 days should the Wallabies depart Twickenham as victors tonight, transforming the Pool A showdown into a do a die-or-die clash with far reaching implications.

England start as marginal favourites and have won four of their last five matches against their old rivals, but must come to terms with the reality of playing knockout rugby two matches early.

“You have to keep telling yourselves how lucky and blessed we are rather than being stressed by the pressure of it all,” forwards coach Rowntree said.

“You can feel the weight of the nation willing us on against Australia and I envy the guys who will be on the field. I remember that feeling as a player.

“As a coach or player, you cannot forget how lucky you are to be involved in these matches.

“We’ve trained exceptionally well this week. Losing to Wales last week hardened us and there’s been a real focus about what we’ve done.

“We’ll have to have composure if we are to beat one of the best teams in the world.”

England have traditionally carried the fight to Australia through their pack and once again they will hope to gain a foothold up-front, as most recently seen 11 months ago when the Wallabies were dispatched 26-17 at Twickenham.

The technique of loosehead prop Joe Marler has been questioned by former Australia coach Bob Dwyer, but his comments have been interpreted as an attempt to influence Saturday’s referee Romain Poite Rowntree has faith in Poite, who is known for his willingness to reward the dominant scrum.

Coaches are not permitted to speak with referees before World Cup matches, but Rowntree has been in frequent contact with Joel Jutge, World Rugby’s match official commissioner.

“I’ve had a very positive conversation with Joel. I speak with him quite regularly on the scrum and other things. It was a very positive conversation and I’m happy with what we have to do. I have a lot of respect for Poite. French referees in particular have such composure around the set piece.”

• Don’t miss today’s TV Magazine for a feature on Southampton rugby hero Mike Brown.