Catt back to haunt Wallabies

Mike Catt could be set to start on Sunday, after Andy Robinson sang the veteran's praises.

Australia v England, Sunday June 11, 10.30am, live on Sky Sports 1

Mike Catt could be set to start for England in the Telstra Stadium on Sunday, some two-and-a-half years after he played a key role in wrestling the World Cup out of Australia's grasp.

Catt was used as a replacement back in 2003, and his calm head was crucial in helping a young Jonny Wilkinson to keep his nerve in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of World Cup final extra time.

Now it appears England will turn to the London Irish man once again, with head coach Andy Robinson and captain Pat Sanderson both singing the praises of the influential centre.

"Catty has worked with me and Brian Ashton and understands how to bring players into the game," explained the England boss.

"He communicates well, both on and off the pitch, and he has added a great freshness to the side."

Sanderson, who has taken over the captaincy in the absence of Martin Corry, added: "Mike's experience is invaluable, without doubt, and I think that his form in the Premiership this year has been as good as he's ever played.

"It's obviously good for me, because I can call on his experience, and I'm really looking forward to it."

England have taken an array of exciting prospects to Australia, including centres James Simpson-Daniel and Mathew Tait.

One of Catt's main duties will be to help those players avoid another 'Tour from hell' experience, a label given to the infamous journey of 1998 that saw England lose 76-0.

John Eales was the Wallabies' skipper that day, and he too has been drafted back into the international scene - albeit in an advisory role, as John Connolly's Australia prepare their own World Cup assault.

"I wanted John involved because he has evolved from a young guy to a great player to a great captain, and we have a number of players in this team who can learn a fair bit from him," Connolly told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The key to a successful team is to have a very strong group of individuals who run the team on and off the field."

England take on Australia in the first of two Tests on Sunday, starting in Sydney before finishing the tour in Melbourne.