Dallaglio desperate for return to winning ways

England captain Lawrence Dallaglio today rallied his players for “one big effort” as the world champions’ season nears its conclusion.

Some 43 weeks after England played their first game of a successful campaign - against Wales in Cardiff – they will finish it by facing a World Cup final rematch with Australia.

Dallaglio, whose squad arrived in Brisbane last night following a 2-0 Test series defeat against the All Blacks, is determined to see England rediscover a winning formula.

The 36-12 second Test defeat at Eden Park was their fourth from seven starts since last November’s World Cup triumph.

They have also been hit by injuries, with centre Stuart Abbott already ruled out of the Wallabies clash and Mike Tindall, Richard Hill, Trevor Woodman all struggling to win fitness races.

Dallaglio said: “We started the season by winning in Australia, and we have to try and finish the season by winning in Australia, and that is what we will try and do.”