Robinson: I'm fit to take on the Aussies

His swift recovery from a hamstring injury has increased the growing optimism in the England squad ahead of the quarter-final showdown.

'I will be fit and available for selection against Australia,' said Robinson yesterday. 'This is our biggest match since we beat them in the World Cup final in Sydney four years ago.'

When Robinson broke down with a hamstring injury during England's lamentable defeat by South Africa in the pool stages of the competition two weeks ago, it was feared the 33-year-old had been hastened into retirement.

But after intensive treatment and rehabilitation at England's headquarters in Versailles, Robinson has delivered an upbeat medical bulletin to contribute to the improving mood of head coach Brian Ashton. This follows two vastly improved displays when beating Samoa in Nantes eight days ago, then Tonga in Paris on Friday night.

Robinson's return to fitness is likely to put Mark Cueto's place in the England back three under threat.

'It has been a bizarre couple of weeks,' admitted Robinson. 'One minute I was heavily involved, the next I was confined to the physio's room.

'I have to thank the medical team for all their dedicated effort in helping me recover. I have to admit I was more nervous watching the last two games from the stands than I am when I'm playing.'

Robinson, who will quit the game at the end of England's involvement in the World Cup after 15 illustrious years in rugby league and union, expects the heat to rise in the countdown to Saturday after Australia's chief executive John O'Neill declared last week: 'It doesn't matter whether it's cricket, rugby union, rugby league, we all hate England.'

Robinson responded: 'No one likes England? So what's new! No one wanted us to win the World Cup, now no one wants to see us defend it. We have lived with this and it's not something that causes us sleepless nights. In Australia, we took endless stick. We were Dad's Army or Grumpy Old Men and we were decried for relying entirely on Jonny Wilkinson to kick his goals.

'We're not here to win a popularity contest. We're here to do a job and now we're at the business end of the competition where we wanted to be. From here on, it's winner takes all. If Australia want to under-estimate us, we will be delighted.'