Australia coach Michael Cheika insists his side will be the underdogs in their clash with England on Saturday, despite the host’s loss to Wales at the weekend.

The Wallabies head coach is having to deal with the loss of both Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu, who are both out of the tournament with injury, as he prepares his side to come up against a demoralised England team looking to bounce back from the 28-25 loss.

While the defeat to Wales proved that England are fallible on home soil, Cheika believes the advantages Twickenham brings the home side will make it tough for Australia to prevail in the crucial Pool A clash.

“You’d have to think we’re still underdogs, playing in their backyard,” said Wallabies head coach Cheika.

“I was talking to some of the lads the other day – when the thunder starts at Twickenham, you’ve got to be ready for it.

“They’ve been very successful at that ground, so it’s just about being ready to be yourself and play our way, and play the best we can and let the cards fall as they may.

“We’ve been in similar positions, losing one week and needing to win the next. I’m sure they’ll believe strongly they’ll beat us, and I’m sure that’s all that counts.”

England have beaten Australia at Twickenham on three of the past four occasions, with the Wallabies’ last victory coming in 2012 when 15 points from Berrick Barnes saw them overcome the hosts 20-14.