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Stuart Lancaster doubts backlash from improved Australia

Stuart Lancaster says that England will have to be cautious when facing an improved Australia outfit.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has insisted that England will have to be wary of an improved Australia at the weekend but doesn't think that they will be out for revenge.

The Wallabies were beaten by the British and Irish Lions during their three-Test tour over the summer, and travel to Twickenham this weekend following losses to New Zealand and South Africa.

However, Lancaster feels that Australia have turned a corner after recording the double over Argentina before a vastly improved performance against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

"I'm not expecting a backlash because the Lions are unique," Lancaster told the press. "Australia will not look at us any more personally than they would Wales. They will enjoy the challenge of coming to Twickenham.

"The Wallabies are improving massively in their quality of performances. I saw them play Argentina and New Zealand and they were right up there. We know we face a massive threat against them. They're a good side with quality players. We won't be taking them for granted - we lost to them last year.

"This is a very competitive Australia side with 500-600 caps, but having said that we are at Twickenham. We will be quietly confident about what we are going to do. There has been a lot of talk about our last match against New Zealand, but our only focus is Australia. It's important to get up to speed as soon as possible."

England and Australia face off at Twickenham on Saturday.

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Matt Cotton
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England coach Stuart Lancaster looks on before the First Test match between Argentina and England on June 8, 2013
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