Harlequins number eight Nick Easter reckons age is not an issue for England after Saturday’s 35-18 mauling of the Wallabies at Twickenham.
Sir Clive Woodward’s World Cup winning outfit of 2003 - skippered by current team boss Martin Johnson - were dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ by the Australian media in the build up to their William Webb Ellis Trophy triumph.
Winger Chris Ashton’s brace - including a 90m solo effort - and 25 points from Toby Flood erased the memory of last week’s 26-16 defeat to New Zealand.
Johnson’s latest vintage are showing signs of having the right blend of youth and experience and Easter - set-to-be named skipper to face Samoa on Saturday - couldn’t agree more.
Particularly after putting the old foe to the sword so spectacularly.
“It’s not often you get to put one over on the Aussies and by such a margin, but the boys played really well,” he said.
“We have a massive amount of respect for Australia, particularly their potent back line, but a lot of the defensive work we did in the week came off out there.
“We were also tremendous with ball in hand – always threatening and getting over the gain line.
“The blend of youth and experience is really working throughout the squad as well – even the old codgers like myself are contributing still.
“After two more games, we’ll really know where we are.”
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