England ready to 'bounce back'

England will be itching to reverse Saturday's defeat

England coach Clive Woodward believes his team can get the loss to Ireland out of their system when they face Australia at Twickenham next month.

Woodward is pleased that the team do not have long to wait until their next game.

The 20-14 loss to Ireland meant that England missed out on the Grand Slam for the third year in a row, despite securing the Six Nations trophy.

But the team will be hoping to give fans something to cheer about when they face rugby giants Australia on 10 November.

"At least we don't have to wait six months for our next game," said Woodward.

Woodward has plenty to think about before the next game

"We could now look forward to playing Australia, and I am determined that we will bounce back against a team who are the best in the world.

"We have bounced back before from this type of high-profile defeat."

Woodward seems to know what he is talking about if his record is anything to go by.

Last year's Six Nations defeat to Scotland heralded an 11-match unbeaten run, with big-game wins over Australia, South Africa and France.

The coach may be forced to rethink his team selection for next month's clash at Twickenham.

Full-back Iain Balshaw and hooker Phil Greening were disappointing, while Jason Leonard's 92-cap international career could now be reaching its conclusion.

One significant factor could be the return of talismanic captain Martin Johnson.

Johnson was absent from Saturday's defeat due to a broken hand and faces a fitness fight to be ready for Australia.

Woodward knows that if England are to prove that the loss in Ireland was just a blip, then they will need the big Leicester forward's motivational presence.