Lawrence Dallaglio believes England will need to make a powerful case for the defence when they renew their fierce World Cup rivalry with Australia.

The arch enemies meet in Marseille next Saturday, after England booked a quarter-final place by beating Tonga 36-20 at Parc des Princes.

It will be the latest in a series of high-octane meetings between the countries which include World Cup finals in 1991 and 2003, plus a 1995 quarter-final.

While the Wallabies are desperate to avenge their loss in Sydney four years ago, England will set about targeting a victory few people thought possible just two weeks ago.

England were then reeling from a record 36-0 World Cup defeat against South Africa, but back-to-back bonus-point victories over Samoa and Tonga underlined a growing character and determination within the squad.

Dallaglio went on as a second-half substitute as England overcame an early 10-3 deficit to prevail through tries by wing Paul Sackey (two), centre Mathew Tait and substitute midfield man Andy Farrell, his first Test touchdown since switching codes.

Dallaglio said: "We've qualified. There is lots to work on, but we got what we wanted out of the game - which was a win - and we now move on to the quarter-final.

"We invited them [Tonga] on to our line, and we need to move up and tackle - because Australia are one of the best sides for putting people out of shape and creating space.

"Defensively, we are going to have to be at our very, very best if we are to win this game. We can improve in that area, I'm sure, and we need to - we are aware of that.

"It is a big fixture, but forget the team you are playing against - it is a World Cup quarter-final."

Current form suggests Australia will start as favourites, although the absence of their injured playmaker Stephen Larkham could level up the contest.

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "I am delighted for the players. It was a knockout game - whoever won, went through.

"We knew there were times in the game when we were under pressure - and we know we are going to have to improve against Australia.

"Two weeks ago, according to a lot of people, we were down and out in the tournament. But we are through to the knockout stages.

"When you get to the knockout stages, it is a two-horse race. On any one day, any one team could probably beat any other side.

"We are not going to get carried away. We are still not playing to our potential - and we know we will have to go up a gear at least next Saturday.

Captain Martin Corry added: "We are a developing side and we have now got two successive wins. We know we have to improve even more.

"We are still playing below our potential, but there is also an element of we don't know how good we can be.

"We have got to keep on improving. From where we were two weeks ago, we have improved dramatically - and we have still got to make drastic improvements.

"As a team, we've all been under the cosh. But it has delighted me how we have put our heads down, although we know we are not the finished article."

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