England's Lewis Moody passes the ball during today's Captain's Run at the ANZ Stadium © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Lewis Moody

Tournaments/Tours: England tour

Teams: Australia | England

England captain Lewis Moody is confident his under-fire side will raise their game against Australian in Sydney on Saturday.

The tourists were beaten 27-17 in Perth last weekend and were subjected to widespread criticism for a performance that lacked any creative flair. However, Moody believes an England side that sees Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs and Northampton lock Courtney Lawes make their first Test starts, will come out with all guns blazing.

"The boys are keen to go out there. Thankfully last week was the first Test and we have an opportunity to go back and play again," commented the 32-year-old Bath-bound flanker. "After the warm-up tomorrow I will sit down with the lads and make sure everyone is in the right place prior to the game.

"We have been through the situation now when we did have that angst and nervousness which made the first 40 minutes tough. Ben Youngs and Courtney have come in. They are very talented and excitable young guys and that enthusiasm can spread, which is great. I am excitable at the best of times so when they are excited it is even better."

England manager Martin Johnson turned to Youngs and Lawes in the hope they can bring the dynamism and variety in attack that was missing from England's first Test performance. Seven years ago, Johnson lifted the World Cup in Sydney's Olympic Stadium and the contrast between England's fortunes then and now could hardly be more startling.

Johnson refuses to recognise it but the pressure is beginning to grow on his regime after last week's defeat left his record at eight victories from 22 Tests. "Do I ever worry about my personal record? Not in that regard," said Johnson. "I just want to get better. I don't like losing matches. When you're involved with England being under pressure is what it's about.

"Look at the football World Cup. When you play in those tournaments pressure is what it's all about. Being able to handle it off the field and being able to apply it on the field. That's the whole game. That's what we're here for. If you don't want pressure this isn't the place for you."

Lawes is relishing the chance to impose himself on Australia and prove he is the man to replace veteran lock Simon Shaw on a permanent basis.

"I'm not sure where the aggression comes from," said Lawes, who made his Test debut off the bench against Australia in the autumn. It's all mental, it's in your head. Some players mentally don't want to put their heads in where they're going to get hurt. Some players like me are not too fussed.

"I am not a dirty player. I'll put my body on the line for my team. I've always been like that. I've always had not much concern for my body. I like making big hits but so does everyone. I probably do find making a good hit as satisfying as scoring a try. I definitely feel ready. I feel very confident in myself. Over the last year I have got a bit wiser, I know how to get into the game better and make a bigger impact."