Rugby: Johnson's happy with Hape

Shontayne Hape holds onto the ball during the England training session. Photo / Getty Images

PERTH: England coach Martin Johnson has warned the Wallabies there's nothing defensive in his selection of former New Zealand league centre Shontayne Hape.

While 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will have to bide his time on the bench at Subiaco Oval, powerful Hape will oppose Berrick Barnes, who was a late replacement for injured Matt Giteau at second five-eighths.

The 29-year-old, who qualifies after living in England for eight years, joins a select band of five players to have become a dual international for two countries.

Johnson is a fan of the former Warriors player who made 14 league test appearances and switched codes in 2008 after a highly successful stint with the Bradford Bulls. While the 102kg Hape will significantly outweight Barnes, Johnson denied he was picked for his defence and would prove a handful in attack for the Wallabies' young backline alongside veteran Mike Tindall. "Shontayne and Mike are both very skilful with the ball in hand," he said.

"Shontayne has a very good passing game and off-load game and is very direct and is a very dangerous attacker.

"I have been very impressed with him. He's one of those guys that seems to have a bit more time than most, he's very composed."

Lote Tuqiri (for Fiji and Australia), Brad Thorn, Henry Paul and Lesley Vainikolo are the other code-crossers to have represented different nations.

Hape is honoured to finally be starting his first test, after illness denied him the opportunity on the eve of this year's Six Nations. He bounced back to star in England's pre-tour 36-25 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham a fortnight ago.

"I am proud to pull on that England jersey, I've been over here for eight years, my kids were born here and it is home to me now, so I feel very comfortable with it," he said. "It's a great honour and I will be going out there not only representing my country - England - but my family that live here and all my friends."

Hape takes over at No12 from injured fellow Kiwi Riki Flutey and is one of four changes from the England team beaten in their final Six Nations game against France.

Veteran hooker Steve Thompson and lock Tom Palmer both start after coming off the bench in Paris, while there is a return from injury for flanker Tom Croft. Toby Flood ensured Wilkinson, who returned to form in the French premiership with Toulon, will cool his heels on the bench.

England are chasing their first victory over the Wallabies on Australian soil since the 2003 World Cup final, when Wilkinson kicked the winning field goal in extra time.

AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND
Perth, 9.55 tonight

AUSTRALIA
James O'Connor
Digby Ioane
Rob Horne
Berrick Barnes
Drew Mitchell
Quade Cooper
Luke Burgess
Richard Brown
David Pocock
Rocky Elsom (c)
Nathan Sharpe
Dean Mumm
Salesi Ma'afu
Saia Faingaa
Ben Daley
Reserves: Huia Edmonds, James Slipper, Mark Chisholm, Matt Hodgson, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, Kurtley Beale.

ENGLAND
Ben Foden
Mark Cueto
Mike Tindall
Shontayne Hape
Chris Ashton
Toby Flood
Danny Care
Nick Easter
Lewis Moody (c)
Tom Croft
Tom Palmer
Simon Shaw
Dan Cole
Steve Thompson
Tim Payne
Reserves: George Chuter, David Wilson (Bath), Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Ben Youngs, Jonny Wilkinson, Mathew Tait.

- AAP