Andy Gomarsall, the man who lost his club and country shirts to his understudy, believes Danny Care (right) can go on to become one of the world’s finest scrum-halves.

Gomarsall was in possession of the England No.9 jersey when they last locked horns with Australia in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final, but has since fallen down the pecking order for both club and country as his younger colleague at Harlequins has risen through the ranks.

But he believes his protege has what it takes to mix it with the elite.

“It’s too early to start predicting where he stands in the world stage but at the moment he’s doing brilliantly,” said Gomarsall, speaking at a taste testing event for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute at Harlequins.

“If he keeps this sort of form up he’s going to be climbing the ranks and the aim is for him to be the best in the world, but to be the best in world you’ve got to be consistently performing well for your country.”

The veteran also believes England will inflict further pain on the Wallabies this weekend despite seeing an improvement in Robbie Deans’ men.

“Whenever somebody mentions that game (in 2007) it brings a big grin to my face. It was an amazing time and one of the greatest victories I’ve been part of,” he said.

“I’ll say England (to win) by ten. In back of their minds Australia will want revenge for that defeat, it hurt them badly. They’ve got a new coach and they’re a better team for it in my view but I think after Saturday, some of our new guys got rid of the nerves and we can kick on now.”

To read the full interview with Andy Gomarsall,click here

Andrew Gomarsall was speaking at a taste testing event for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute at Harlequins. Gatorade is The Official Hydration Partner of the Guinness Premiership. For more information please visit www.gatorade.co.uk