Jason Robinson's attacking brilliance will return to aid England's World Cup challenge on Saturday but first he delivered a stirring defence of his big pal Andy Farrell.

Both have been named in the starting line-up for England's quarter final encounter against Australia at the Stade Velodrome, Robinson at fullback after recovering from a hamstring injury and Farrell at inside centre.

Robinson said: ''One of the hardest things for him (Farrell) at the moment is just taking all the knives out of his back.''

Farrell has fielded flak for his lack of pace and one former England international even suggested his presence in the team had ''cheapened'' the England shirt.

But Robinson insisted: ''He's looking forward to the game. He has great experience and is a valuable member of our team. So, no, he won't be fazed.''

No-one knows better than Robinson what is required to beat the Australians. He is a veteran of copious rugby league clashes against the Kangaroos and it was his try which graced England's World Cup triumph in Sydney four years ago.

''We need to be in their face and confrontational,'' said Robinson. ''It has been a rocky road so far, there have been quite a few things we have had to iron out, but we're on course."

England team: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), A Farrell (Saracens), J Lewsey (Wasps); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins). Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), O Barkley (Bath), D Hipkiss (Leicester).