Gareth Ellis insists the anniversary of England's record mauling by Australia will pass by unnoticed in Saturday's repeat clash in Wigan.

The former Leeds second rower says England will not be using that 52-4 World Cup humiliation by the Kangaroos as additional motivation to help them reach the final of the Gillette Four Nations series.

Although the England pack has a familiar look, coach Tony Smith will field a completely different back division and Ellis feels there is a new mood of optimism in the camp 12 months on from that nine-try rout.

"It's a different team, a new team," he said. "All the lads that are involved now are really excited about it and for some players it will be the first time they have played against Australia.

"It's going to be a massive game with a lot at stake. I think Australia will be better for their game against New Zealand but I also think we'll be better for our game against France."

St Helens hooker James Roby, one of just eight survivors from that match in Melbourne, prefers to look back on Great Britain's 23-12 win over Australia in Sydney in the last Tri-Nations match three years ago.

"No one has really spoken about last year," he said. "I was lucky enough to play in the game in 2006 when we beat Australia in Australia and that was a brilliant feeling and a brilliant day.

"It gives you so much confidence as a player that you've been over there and turned them over.

"Hopefully this Saturday we can do that again and it would be a massive personal achievement and a little birthday present for my son whose birthday is on Saturday."

The England squad have a day off today before re-convening in Manchester tomorrow, when Smith is expected to name his team for the eagerly-awaited game at the DW Stadium.