Vickery wary of Australian pack
England captain Phil Vickery believes the Australian pack has "come to fruition" under former Bath coach Michael Foley's tutelage.
England smashed the Wallabies' scrum at Twickenham two years ago, and they plan a repeat performance in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final.
But Vickery admitted: "Everyone has watched the Australia pack grow and grow. It is going to be a huge challenge for us."
He added: "Being involved in the Premiership at home, I saw what Michael Foley did with the Bath pack.
"Watching the Tri-Nations, it is noticeable that things have taken time to bed in. They've taken a while, but have come to fruition now."
Head coach Brian Ashton has gone for power and scrummaging expertise in the front five, recalling Vickery, hooker Mark Regan and lock Simon Shaw as England look to establish set-piece dominance.
"It is important we get the most experienced players in the front five on the field at the start of the game this week," said Ashton.
"It will be a massive battle area, and I am perfectly happy we have got the right players on the field.
"The changes in the front row signify we are looking for a strong emphasis scrummaging-wise at the weekend.
"Given the nature of the game and the importance of it, it was important to go with players who have been there in these sort of situations before."
