RWC: England loss could change rules - Henry

A loss against Australia will see Chris Robshaw's men knocked out of the World Cup. Photo / Getty

Sir Graham Henry says an early exit by England from the World Cup will create "fallout" that will ensure no future group in the tournament will ever feature three of the leading teams in the international rankings.

Writing in English newspaper The Guardian, Henry described tomorrow's clash between England and Australia as "the most important pool match in World Cup history".

"If a hefty part of the fallout will settle over Twickenham, it will also be scattered wide and I doubt we would again see a group containing three of the leading teams in the rankings," Henry wrote.

"Never before has the host nation failed to qualify for the quarter-finals. It is more likely to happen at Twickenham because Australia are a team on the way up, and England are under the most formidable pressure, fully aware of the consequences of defeat."

Henry agreed with critics who fear an early departure by England will damage interest in the tournament from host nation fans "and the broadcasters may find a few viewers going elsewhere'.

The World Cup-winning coach warned England will need to be at their best mentally to beat the Wallabies and while saying Stuart Lancaster's team lacked an on-field leader of the stature of Martin Johnson or a tactical general like Jonny Wilkinson, two of the key men who led the English to victory in the 2003 tournament, he felt they could beat Australia. Henry predicted the home ground advantage at Twickenham and the "massive consequences" of defeat would overcome an Australian team still "a bit undercooked, with their starting lineup having played once in six weeks".

"England didn't play against Wales or make things happen, but it looked as if they would still get over the line when a poor decision late in the game put them in a scrape they have 80 minutes to get right.

"They have been hurting and embarrassed since the final whistle against Wales, backs pressed firmly against the wall. For quality teams, it is the perfect recipe for a positive response. Stuart Lancaster's job will to be to ensure total clarity on the game plan; he will not need to say anything else....when I was coaching the All Blacks, I knew that a defeat would galvanise a high-quality performance in the next game. I'm sure England will also be ready but the question is whether this England team are good enough."

He also felt England had a big advantage in goalkicking but if their field kicking was as aimless as against Wales, "Israel Folau and his mates will punish them".

He predicted having David Pocock and Michael Hooper in their back row may cost the Wallabies at the lineout but they will put a lot of heat on England at the breakdown.