Australia are banking on their bullocking wingers Josh Mansour and Sione Mata’utia coming to the aid of their undermanned forwards against the massive England pack in their Four Nations showdown.

With Aaron Woods as the only recognised front-rower in their side last week, the Kangaroos were well beaten in the middle of the field by New Zealand in the Kiwis’ 30-12 win.

Under captain James Graham, and with Tom and George Burgess alongside him, the England pack boast every bit the menace that the Kiwis did.

Australia again look vulnerable up front ahead of their must-win AAMI Park match up with England.

Woods is again the only recognised front-rower in the starting side, though David Klemmer could make his Kangaroos debut off the bench.

But coach Tim Sheens has tweaked his side’s backline to better deal with the onslaught that awaits.

The veteran mentor has brought winger Mata’utia into the side for his Test debut in place of Daniel Tupou and Sheens says he is expecting more from his other flanker Josh Mansour.

“We have played Sione in PNG and he played very well and I sense with him he is certainly a mature personality so you are not worried about his age and the style of game he plays which is a strong carry. We need that strong Mansour-type carry from the other winger,” Sheens said.

“‘Toops’ is a different style of player, so we went for the stronger on the ground running-type player this week.

“Sione is still good under the ball, but his strength is carrying the ball out from his own end and his finish is obviously very good, for the tries he has scored playing wing for Newcastle.

“But basically we need more grunt to assist the forwards in the carries up the field.”

Kick return is becoming an increasingly vital part of the international game, according to Sheens.

“England have very strong guys as well (in wingers Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall),” Sheens said.

“And (Manu) Vatuivei has come back this year as well and it is an important aspect of your game that kick return and that getting started on the front foot as much as you can.

“And when you need them to come in and help you want both your wingers to make ground for you.”