Andy Farrell: Australia game will have 'no bearing' on World Cup

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England captain Chris Robshaw takes on Australia's Nic White in the 20-13 win last yearImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

England beat Australia 20-13 at Twickenham in 2013 and have won three of the past four meetings

Autumn international: England v Australia

Venue: Twickenham Date: Saturday 29 November Kick-off: 14:30 GMT

Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website; full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra; highlights on BBC Three at 19:00 GMT

England backs coach Andy Farrell says Saturday's autumn international against Australia will have no effect on the sides' meeting at the World Cup.

England, Australia and Wales are all in Pool A for the tournament, which starts in September 2015.

But Farrell, 39, says Saturday's match at Twickenham will have "no bearing" on the result when the teams meet again.

"Both sides will be very disappointed if they've not improved before the World Cup," he told BBC Sport.

"It's a vitally important match, don't get me wrong. Australia have missed out on a couple of wins in the autumn series themselves by a couple of points, so both teams are in a similar position.

"Australia will want to finish their season off on a high and we want to finish the autumn series on a high."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Farrell says his son Owen is not happy to be dropped for Saturday's game

Farrell's son Owen will start Saturday's game as a replacement, but the England coach says the fly-half will be itching to make an impact from the bench.

"When a player gets a little bit demoted you don't expect them to be happy and rightfully so," he added.

"If he gets a chance from the bench this weekend he's got to make sure he comes on and puts the team first."

The Wallabies, who lost 20-13 at Twickenham last year, will be looking to avoid their worst set of defeats on a northern hemisphere tour since 2005, having already lost to France and Ireland.

And head coach Michael Cheika, who only took charge in October, says he will shrug off any criticism should the team slip up again at Twickenham.

"I have been involved in too many teams where I have been slagged off in the early days and have been able to come back later on," Cheika, 47, said.

"So I know you just have to weather that storm."

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