Farrell Returns to Beef Up England's Backline Against Wallabies

Brian Ashton has named Andy Farrell at inside center for England's World Cup quarter-final match against Australia on Saturday, with Olly Barkley dropped to the bench. Jason Robinson and Phil Vickery also return, taking over the captaincy from Martin Corry.

Simon Shaw returns at the expense of Steve Borthwick, while Mark Regan is recalled ahead of George Chuter.

Farrell's selection is a clear bid to counter England's perceived defensive weaknesses in midfield, where Barkley - who had a poor game against Tonga - and Matthew Tait were perceived to be too lightweight to counter the threat of Australia's Stirling Mortlock.

Robinson, who looked to have played his last England match when he left the pitch clutching his hamstring against South Africa, will be the most welcome of all the changes. Before sustaining that injury he had been enjoying his best match in an England shirt for some time. He replaces Mark Cueto, who has had a mediocre tournament so far. Josh Lewsey moves to full-back.

The return of Vickery will be seen to be a little harsh on Matt Stevens, who has excelled since being called into the XV that were hammered 36-0 against South Africa, as has Corry as a stand-in captain.

England: Lewsey; Sackey, Tait, Farrell, Robinson; Wilkinson, Gomarsall; Vickery, Regan, Sheridan, Shaw, Kay, Corry, Moody, Easter.

Replacements: Stevens, Chuter, Worsley, Dallaglio, Richards, Barkley, Hipkiss.