Lancaster was delighted with victory.

England coach Stuart Lancaster says his side's victory over Australia in their opening QBE autumn international at Twickenham was inspired by the on looking World Cup winning squad of 2003.

The fixture marked 10 years on from the famous World Cup final in Sydney between the two nations, which saw Jonny Wilkinson's extra-time drop goal secure victory for Sir Clive Woodward's side.

For the latest battle between England and Australia, less than two years out from the 2015 World Cup, the entire squad was in attendance as Chris Robshaw and Owen Farrell's tries secured a vital England win against Ewen McKenzie's Australia.

And Lancaster said that England were motivated to produce a performance and result fitting of those in attendance.

"We'd seen the players [2003 squad] around," Lancaster said. "We were very aware of them being in the crowd today and the players were aware. We wanted to do them proud because they inspire the players that are in our team.

"It will mean a lot to the players when they sit back and think that they've won with those guys watching."

Matt Toomua's first half try had Australia ahead at the break as they looked to repeat their victory from 12 months previous, but Robshaw capitalised on Will Genia's charged down kick to score before Farrell waltzed through to score.

England were without Manu Tuilagi and Alex Corbisiero due to injury while respective club commitments had limited preparation time and in context Lancaster was thrilled with the perfect start to his side's autumn schedule.

"It was a really tough test match for us but we're delighted to get the win," he added. "Going I 13-6 down we had missed a couple of chances in the first half and we conceded a soft penalty and I was delighted with the composure we showed in the second half and we deserved the win in the end.

"In the context of having some big players missing and having three players starting for the first time in a test match at Twickenham, a new guy running the line-out and an Australian team who have been together sine the Lions series. Overall to come out here and get the win like we did is great."

Australia