Captain in the mood to end years of despair Down Under

England have only beaten the Wallabies on Australian soil twice in their history – in June of 2003 and then again five months later to win the Rugby World Cup.

Every venture to the southern hemisphere since that November night in Sydney has ended in defeat, including three Tests on the bounce against the Wallabies.

Moody was part of England's World Cup final side, coming off the bench to win the vital lineout that led to Jonny Wilkinson's drop-goal.

"We know the Australians are an incredibly tough side to beat, especially over here," he said.

"We've only beaten them twice in our history, it's a tough challenge and the boys know that.

"If you don't get enough motivation from that, then you never will.

"The excitement in the camp is huge and now the players are desperate to get out there and give it our all. Now it's up to us to perform."

Australia are suffering an injury crisis that has robbed them of a first-choice front row and star inside centre Matt Giteau – but Moody was not understating the size of the challenge.

England have managed eight victories in 19 Tests under Martin Johnson, with only one of those coming on foreign soil, against Italy in the Six Nations.

But they head into the Cook Cup showdown on the back of a promising performance against France in Paris and determined to follow a gallant defeat into a glorious victory.

"We are trying to build now on what we achieved in the French game. We came a long way in that game and we need to keep with that momentum," said Moody.

"Johnno has very high standards but we all do. He's hugely respected in world rugby and that will never change.

"I played with him for 10 years, had him as my captain which was incredible, and he has the passion I have in my own game."

Johnson said: "Winning down here is difficult – not many teams from Britain and Ireland have done it very often. Things are against you in many ways but we know that."