Former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio says he only has himself to blame for failing to claim the starting No 8 spot in the World Cup side.

The defending world champions announce their side on Thursday (NZ time) for their quarter-final clash against the Wallabies.

"Everyone wants to be in the starting lineup," he told reporters. "I had one chance and I blew the opportunity in the first game against America. I was given the chance to run out in the jersey first time around and I don't blame anyone but myself.

"I have to be patient for the next chance to come around."

After a slow performance in the opening match against the United States, Dallaglio was left out of the squads to face the Springboks and Samoa before forcing his way back on to the bench against Tonga.

"Thus far it hasn't really happened, it only happened off the bench," he said.

"I'm not sure if the team has been selected yet but whether I start or come off the bench or don't get involved at all I have to play my part.

"It would be a great game to run out and start but if that's not to be I look forward to whatever part I can play. World Cups are not won by one person, they are won by 30."

Having played the Wallabies on numerous occasions at test level, Dallaglio is more than aware of the tough obstacle which lies ahead of his side.

"They are a very good tournament team, very good in the World Cup, the only team to win it twice and always there or thereabouts," he said.

"They are a bright side who are adept at holding onto the ball. They have experience in their team and young players coming through and are competitive in the scrum and lineout.

"We won in 2005, they won twice in 2006 and it is 2-2 in the World Cup but we all know that the performance needed to beat Australia is better than anything we've seen from England in the World Cup so far.