Jonny Wilkinson has faced his fair share of obstacles during his rugby career so England’s late change in the midfield has the first five barely batting an eyelid.

After second five Andy Farrell was forced to pull out of the game with a calf strain, coach Brian Ashton will have to restructure his backline. Farrell’s replacement will be named later tonight (Friday) with Olly Barkley and Dan Hipkiss the main contenders while veteran Mike Catt is also an option.

"It's not an ideal scenario for the team and it's tough for Andy but it illustrates the need for strength in depth at this World Cup," Wilkinson told reporters in Marseille.

England’s 2003 RWC hero said whoever was named to replace Farrell was almost irrelevant.

"The kind of enthusiasm and excitement and desire that's come into the team since the South Africa defeat has meant that the guys have become very involved in the decisions made in the nine, 10 and 12 positions," he said.

"Those guys are driving that system so nobody has got to do anything they are unfamiliar with. You spend a lot of time talking and there's a real cohesive feel about the guys in that area. It's important to get on a wavelength, then build it fast even before the communication comes."

Wilkinson is set to line up against the Wallabies’ rookie first five Berrick Barnes and says he has been impressed at the way the youngster had performed in his three pool appearances.

"It's such a huge role to fill at a World Cup and for a team that carries a huge amount of expectation and to fill some big boots as well with Stephen Larkham," Wilkinson said.

"To come in and, not just not disappoint or do okay, but to come in and lead the team is quite incredible.

"I used to struggle with stamping my authority on the game, maybe I didn't really understand that aspect, but it looks like he does. He's fresh but he's playing like a very experienced person and showing himself to be a huge influence and a leader.