Richard Cockerill knows the value of the forward battle ahead of Brisbane Test

England’s pack are seeking a “gladiatorial” contest at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday after Richard Cockerill outlined the physical onslaught awaiting Australia.

The Wallabies landed an early blow in the series by clinching the first Test 30-28 and will take an unassailable lead if they keep their foot on English throats at a ground where they have amassed 10 successive victories.

Eddie Jones’ tourists crumbled in the final quarter at Perth’s Optus Stadium and Cockerill is determined for a traditional pillar of strength to reassert itself.

“We are very much sleeves rolled up and gum-shields in. We are coming here to win the game and we are very much up for the battle,” forwards coach Cockerill said.

“The forward battle is going to be key and let’s look forward to it. We’re an English pack and we want to get in the middle of it.

“It’s about making sure that the battle of wills is really strong and we make sure that we don’t blink first.

“Last Saturday we got what we deserved in the end, so we’ve just got to be better at what we do, be more consistent and do it more often.

“We want it to be gladiatorial. We want it to be physical. That first clash is going to be great. Let’s go and see it. That’s what the game is all about.

“Let’s enjoy the physical parts, the feisty parts and – within the laws of the game – let’s get into it.”

The collision between props Ellis Genge and Taniela Tupou was already shaping up to be the pivotal duel even before Australia’s explosive tighthead lit the fuse by declaring the rivals are united by a desire to “smash” each other, adding that “I want to give it to him”.

Combative Leicester captain Genge sets the emotional intensity for England and acts as the heartbeat of their pack, while a player