England's forwards coach has backed “world class” Joe Launchbury to bolster his nation’s set-piece on their big night– and show his skills in the loose.

The Sussex-based second row has been recalled to the starting XV for the must-win clash with Australia at Twickenham.

Launchbury was left out of the team which kicked off against Wales last Saturday, when defeat put qualification from a cut-throat Pool A in serious doubt.

England can get right back on track by defeating the Aussies, who have still to face Wales.

And Launchbury will be out there from the start, joining fellow Sussex boy Joe Marler in the tight five.

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree believes Launchbury, formerly of Horsham and Worthing Raiders, can help create the platform his team need.

Although he was recalled after Courtney Lawes was ruled out by a knee injury, Rowntree said enough yesterday to suggest Launchbury might have started tonight’s game anyway.

Asked if his presence would improve England’s scrum, Rowntree said: “Absolutely! It was always a big call to leave him out of the starting XV (against Wales) to be honest with you.

“I think he’s a world class player. He has developed nicely.

“He will bring a certain size to the scrum.

“He likes the scrum but the thing that Joe has got, and I’m going to embarrass him now, is the athleticism and ball handling of a back rower but he loves the tight play as well.

“He has an extraordinary work rate.

“We will need his mass behind our tight head prop.”

Marler’s scrummaging technique has come under scrutiny from Australia in the past week but Rowntree was quick to allay concerns in that respect.

He said: “All that matters in this whole scrum debate we have had this week is what the officials think at World Rugby.

“I’ve had a good conversation with them this week and I’m happy with the outcome from that.”

England will bear the weight of a nation on their shoulders but Launchbury has urged them to view it as a chance of a lifetime.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity for myself and the team as a whole.

“We are still disappointed from last week but what a great challenge we have ahead of us now.

“(Australia are) a world class side but we are here at Twickenham, we have trained well all week and we are really focussed.

“I don’t think anybody in the squad has got anything but really positive stuff to say about the Twickenham crowd.”