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The 2003 winners’ failure to advance beyond the group stage for the first time left a “sense of deep disappointment”, Ritchie said.

Despite being the wealthiest union and with the biggest playing pool to call on, Sunday’s loss to Australia saw England become the first World Cup hosts to fail to make it out of their pool.

The tournament hosts can not reach the last eight from Pool A after Australia applied the killer blow with Saturday’s 33-13 win at Twickenham, a week after Wales had drawn first blood with their momentous victory over England.

Bernard Foley’s two tries and 18 points with the boot shattered errant England’s hopes, with Owen Farrell’s late sin-binning confirming head coach Lancaster’s nightmare scenario.

World Cup oblivion awaits if England lose for a second time in a fiercely competitive Pool A to become the first host nation to exit the tournament at the group stage, a fate made possible by the 28-25 loss to Wales.

Australia coach Michael Cheika says there’s no way his side will be bullied by England during Saturday’s World Cup clash.

“But his next task is whether he can find the best rugby style for his players”. He is great to watch with a few of the skills he brings to the game.

Australia were today dealt a blow ahead of their crunch World Cup game against England after heavyweight forwards Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu were ruled out of the tournament.

The Wallabies will feel the heat of the biggest match of the World Cup so far after arriving in London to start their preparation for the “pool of death” contest.

Australia pinned Fiji back in their half for the opening 10 minutes, but a few forced final passes saw the Wallabies only bag a Foley penalty for their dominance after the islanders strayed offside.

The Australia players, meanwhile, are focused only on their opening game against Fiji on Wednesday though the majority of the 31-man squad have rebuffed all questions on playing pool opponents England and Wales, a mantra instilled by Cheika.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has opted for twin openside flankers in David Pocock and Michael Hooper for their Rugby World Cup Pool A opener against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Everyone is trying to put their hands up.

“No one could be more deserving”.

He could well be the biggest selection gamble in the Wallabies squad, but Kane Douglas couldn’t care less and is ready to repay the enormous faith shown in him by coach Michael Cheika.