After a debut to remember, England wing Ugo Monye is ready to face down the Wallabies © Getty Images

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Matches England 14 - 28 Australia

Players/Officials Martin Johnson | Ugo Monye

Teams Australia | England

With a successful international debut against the Pacific Islands now behind him, England and Harlequins wing Ugo Monye is turning his attentions to the biggest challenge of his career to date when the Wallabies roll in to Twickenham on Saturday.

Monye has been named by Martin Johnson alongside Paul Sackey and Delon Armitage in an identical England back-three to that which shone against the Islanders for the clash with Robbie Deans' revitalised Australia.

Monye is under no illusions as to the task awaiting England this coming weekend, "It was a good start, that was all it was really," he said of the Pacific Islands result. "We had trained well for the last two weeks and knew it would be a tough game. We were happy to get the victory and also happy to see some of our patterns and plays being put into good use.

"Australia will be a different kind of test; they are a very smart side. They've played a lot of Tests this year and have performed well, winning victories in South Africa and New Zealand, but we've prepared well and are looking forward to the game."

England may have won four of their last five encounters at Twickenham but Monye insists there will be no room for complacency. "Martin Johnson as a player demanded a lot of himself and those around him and nothing has changed with him being coach now," he said.

"He's very clear with his ideas and puts them across well, but also allows the players to have their own input. We're all working towards the same goal, and the picture is very clear. It was a good start last Saturday but we will have to raise it in all areas against Australia."

Monye has arrived on the international scene after several seasons of dazzling form with Harlequins, with whom he played a full season in National Division One only three seasons ago. He has received plenty of praise from his club coach and England legend Dean Richards during the build up to the autumn series, and he sees similarities between his club and international boss.

"They're cut from the same cloth," he said. "They're both very hard-nosed and have very high standards. They both had very good careers, and have that Leicester connection. I see a good bit of Dean within Martin Johnson.

"It's good working with Martin and a breath of fresh air. I've enjoyed my time working with Quins this season but it's nice to get the recognition and be part of this England squad which is very young and very exciting."

Young and exciting the England squad certainly is. Mirroring the arrival of Sir Clive Woodward into the England fold in 1997, Johnson has selected two sides brimming with youthful pace and exuberance in the back-line. "I think that's the greatest thing about Martin Johnson," Monye said. "He's not afraid to give people chances and I think after the weekend, with five new caps coming on and acquitting themselves well, that you'd say he was right in doing so."

"In the back-line there were three new caps. I think it has taken a few years to get the turnover post-World Cup and for players like Delon, myself and Riki [Flutey] to take the step up.

"You can arguably say that we have been there or thereabouts for the past few years but it's nice to see that some of the guys' form has taken a step up this year and that they are getting recognised for playing good rugby.

"I think it really gives hope to all players in the Premiership that if you are playing well for your club then you will be recognised."

Monye's ascent into the international firmament has been based on hard work and some outstanding performances at domestic level, and he is adamant that he is ready to take his chances among the sport's best. "This is what international rugby is all about, it is very intense and a pressure cooker environment. You've got two countries going head-to-head and doing anything and everything to win the game.

"We're expecting a real tough game this weekend but we're at Twickenham. The crowd was fantastic last weekend and hopefully they can raise their voices for us this weekend, and we can give them something to shout about as well."

Ugo Monye was talking to Scrum.com on behalf of O2, England Team sponsor. For the ultimate match day experience visit www.O2.co.uk/rugbyvip or O2 customers can text RUGBYVIP to 2020

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