Brian Ashton paid tribute to the "magnificent" England forwards after his team stunned Australia to book their place in the World Cup semi finals.

After an initial stumble the England pack, led by man-of-the-match Andy Sheridan, obliterated Australia at every opportunity orchestrating the 12-10 win that saw them set up a last eight clash with either pre-tournament favourites New Zealand or hosts France.

"To say the forwards were magnificent would be an understatement," Ashton said. "We knew the scrimmage would be a key area, and we knew it would be important to vary our lineouts.

"One of our most pleasing improvements was the contesting of the breakdowns. We hadn't been particularly happy with it in this tournament, but we just felt we might get opportunities today.

"It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I thought we were the better side, but it didn't reflect on the scoreboard and it made it a bit of a nail-biter. But the players have worked so hard since the South Africa game, and the rewards they got today were fully justified.

"We sat down as a group of players and coaches after South Africa, and we just talked about what happened. There was no major surgery by any stretch of the imagination, we just simplified things a little bit.

"Physical courage is a given at international level but the players also took Australia in a way many people might have expected Australia to take us on. Our scrummaging and driving game came to the fore, and it was a much more balanced performance than what we have previously given during the World Cup."

Just three weeks ago that England suffered a record 36-0 World Cup defeat against the Springboks and skipper Phil Vickery said the battling win over Australia showed the confidence they had in themselves.

"Ultimately we showed a belief in what we were doing," Vickery said. "It was a good old-fashioned guts to go out and push yourself to levels we hadn't got to in sustained periods during the previous games.

"Some very strange things happen in sport and you write people off at your peril. We've had a huge amount of criticism, players and coaches, and some of it was justified, but the large majority of it wasn't.

"To win and be successful in the World Cup is huge, but to beat Australia with all that has gone on, I think makes it ultra-special. It is the most amazing feeling.

"It was a huge effort from everyone, it really was. We all want success and we all have to buy into what we are doing. In 2003, we just refused to give up and we ground it out, You get into a habit of winning games.

"Hopefully today will give people the belief we are actually a good side. I will look forwards to next weekend with great anticipation."

Pippa Davis / Eurosport