Berrick's out to teach our Jonny a lesson
Australia rookie Berrick Barnes today revealed his game is based on tips picked up from Jonny Wilkinson's training books.
The 21-year-old, who is playing only his fourth Test match, devoured every page of Wilkinson's training manuals while a student and will get to take on the "master" on Saturday.
Outside-half Barnes, who has to carry around a baby kangaroo toy as the youngest player in the team, said: "This is a massive game and I am excited about playing against Jonny in the quarter-finals of the World Cup - it is a bit surreal.
"I watched Jonny at the last Cup and was in high school and used to read all of his books on rugby. I read the books to find out all about him as a player and, yes, there was lot in there about kicking.
"Jonny's kicking game is the best in the world and he has been massive for England. People underestimate how good his running game is. I am going into unknown waters and it will be a case of sink or swim."
For Saturday, Australia coach John Connolly has made only one change to the team that faced Wales. Adam Ashley-Cooper, who missed that game with a toe injury, comes into the side on the left wing for Drew Mitchell, who drops back to the reserves despite being the tournament's leading tryscorer with seven touchdowns.
Australia: C Latham; A Ashley-Cooper, S Mortlock (capt), M Giteau, L Tuqiri; B Barnes, G Gregan; M Dunning, S Moore, G Shepherdson, N Sharpe, D Vickerman, R Elsom, G Smith, W Palu. Replacements: A Freier, A Baxter, H McMeniman, S Hoiles, P Waugh, J Huxley, D Mitchell.
