Winning the World Cup might seem a pipe dream based on recent results but vice-captain James Slipper believes the Wallabies can defy their underdog status at next year’s tournament.

Australia will get another gauge of their progress under Michael Cheika this weekend against England, one of the sides they’ll meet in the “group of death” in the UK next year.

With five losses in their past six Tests, it would take a brave man to back Australia to add to their 1991 and 1999 triumphs next year but veteran prop Slipper says it’s a realistic goal.

“You know Australians mate, we like to back the underdogs,” Slipper said ahead of the Wallabies’ tour finale at Twickenham.

“I’m sure we are going to be underdogs coming into next year but, in saying that, we know we’re doing the work, we’re training pretty hard and we’ve got the goal between the whole squad that we want to win it.

“We want to be the first country to win three.

“For us that’s our priority but we’re not looking too far ahead and coming up against England is a good test for us to see where we’re at.”

Slipper made his debut for Australia against England in Perth four years ago and relishes every opportunity to resume the rivalry.

Saturday’s match will be his sixth encounter with England and third on the hallowed turf of Twickenham.

“It’s always special,” said Slipper, who will make his 63rd Test appearance.

“It’s always a tough game, especially playing at Twickenham. It’s a great venue and the crowd always gets behind their team.

“Coming into this week, it’s our last game of what’s been a long year for us and I can’t imagine anything better than to finish it by playing well against England.”

Slipper admits watching England lift the World Cup on Australian soil in 2003 lit a fire inside him which still burns and he wants to return the favour by spoiling the party on British soil next year.

The prop was just 14 and watching on television with his parents on the Gold Coast when Jonny Wilkinson sunk Australian hearts with the winning drop goal in Sydney 11 years ago.

“I thought we had it in the bag but obviously the brilliance of Jonny Wilkinson to steal the show, especially playing in Australia, was hard to take,” Slipper said.

“I think not one Australian rugby fan has forgotten it.”