Rugby World Cup 2015: Drew Mitchell eyes Wallabies start against England rather than watching brief

THIS time last year Drew Mitchell was drinking beers in the Twickenham stands. On Sunday, the veteran winger hopes to be on the field wearing a gold jersey.

532584741

THIS time last year Drew Mitchell was drinking beers with Matt Giteau in the Twickenham stands watching the Wallabies play England.

On Sunday, the veteran winger hopes to be on the field wearing a gold jersey and potentially putting himself onto the same level as Jonah Lomu as a try-scoring powerhouse.

Mitchell overcame a slow start to turn in a strong showing on the wing for the Wallabies in their 65-3 win over Uruguay in Birmingham, scoring two of the sides 11 tries.

HOME PRESSURE: Wallabies only thinking of themselves as England face fears

PLAYER RATINGS: Who starred and who stuttered for Wallabies against Uruguay

DISCIPLINE: Wallabies to appeal Cooper’s yellow card from Uruguay match

The pair of five-pointers saw Mitchell equal, and then break, Chris Latham’s Australian record for most tries at World Cups. Mitchell’s tally of 12 from three World Cups is now equal second of all-time with Doug Howlett, and only Lomu has more with 15.

​”​It’s a nice little title but it will be something I’ll probably look at once I finish​,” Mitchell said of the Australian record.

“I genuinely hope that there’s a bigger outcome for us to be looking back on once this campaign is finished.

​”​It’s always nice to cross the line and to get that record will be something I have a go at my kids at when I finally have some and they’re beating me around the backyard or something — I’ll just remind them of that record. ​”

Mitchell was coy on his own selection chances but coach Stephen Larkham is a big fan, and with big-game experience at Twickenham and up against England speedsters Jonny May and Anthony Watson, Mitchell’s speed may see him beat out Rob Horne.

Possibly also in Mitchell’s favour ​is the fact his last game at Twickenham saw him score a match-winning try for Toulon in the French club’s third straight European title in May. ​

​”​It’s obviously a great stadium and it’s one that holds some fantastic atmosphere​,” he said.

​”No doubt any game that is played at Twickenham throughout this World Cup will be no different. My most recent memory at Twickenham was a pleasing one, but that by no means has any influence on the next one. If I get the opportunity to play, then great, but we’ll worry about that throughout the week. ​”​

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: Drew Mitchell eyes Wallabies start against England rather than watching brief