'England must raise the bar'

Updated 10.08 Mon Oct 01 2007

Keywords: Andy Gomarsall, rugby, World Cup, England, sport

Andy Gomarsall is backing his England team-mates to "raise the bar again" when they take on Australia for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The world champions followed up their 44-22 win over Samoa by beating Tonga 36-20 and book their place in the quarter-finals.

"Ultimately, we have got to increase the effort. But I know the guys really well; they have been around a long time, and I know they will raise the bar again" - Andy Gomarsall

And scrum-half Gomarsall believes Brian Ashton's men will have to put on an even better performance against John Connolly's Wallabies in Marseille on Saturday in what is a repeat of the 2003 final.

He said: "Ultimately, we have got to increase the effort. But I know the guys really well; they have been around a long time, and I know they will raise the bar again. It was another improved performance against Tonga, and we know we have got to improve massively again."

Ashton is sweating on the fitness of full-back Jason Robinson (hamstring) and flanker Tom Rees (thigh) as he prepares to name his side to face Australia.

The winners of the clash at the Stade Velodrome will meet either France or red-hot favourites New Zealand in Paris in the semi-finals.