Aussies are dangerous – I know says Robshaw!

EDDIE Jones may feel the ‘typhoon gods’ have smiled on England by gifting them more quarter-final preparation time – but the Wallabies could be waiting to blow his World Cup dreams off course.

Former captain Chris Robshaw, right, knows Australia harbour the potential to wreak Webb Ellis Cup havoc if Owen Farrell and his side are not 100 per cent mentally and physically ready for a battle royal.

Injured Billy Vunipola plus brother Mako and Jack Nowell, who returned against Argentina, will benefit hugely from the extra rest and recovery they now have, thanks to the violent Japanese weather, as they build up to the biggest game of their careers so far.

Wales are expected to leave the way open for England and Australia to go head to head at Oita Stadium next Saturday by sweeping aside Uruguay today and topping Pool D.

Robshaw knows just how dangerous the Wallabies can be when England lost to them at Twickenham in the last World Cup and became the first hosts to fail to qualify from their Pool.

He says: “The game with France being called off was a great result for England. It has helped their build up to the last eight by giving them extra time down on the coast to relax and recuperate as well as work on some things.

“They have a couple of knocks at the moment. Billy Vunipola’s ankle is the biggest concern for them and Eddie knows just how crucial it will be to have him fighting fit and ready to go next weekend.

“Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell just came back from injuries to play in their first game against Argentina – so these guys will have another week of recovery and extra training to prepare for the quarter-final.

“It means England have a two-week prep for the game while Australia will have had only eight days. That’s an advantage but it’s still going to be a very tough game for them. We all know how Australia have this habit of getting themselves up for World Cups and the big games. “Australia came into the tournament pretty much under the radar with New Zealand, South Africa and England most peoples’ tip for the trophy, and the Wallabies are always dangerous when they are being ignored.

“They started slowly against Wales but they know how to peak a the right time.

“Michael Cheika is a top coach. He is a master, like Warren Gatland, of getting his players in the right mental and physical shape and really motivated to do the job on the field.”