I think you must have watched a different England game if you're optimistic about our chances vs Aus. They'll not lose their 1 and 6 during the game again - sadly, as I'd take an England win under virtually any circumstances.
England's defence was really awful in that game. Linespeed was non-existent (how often were they back-pedalling on virtually every tackle because they allowed a quick PTB?), schoolboy on-line defence and Tomkins really is an accident waiting to happen under high kicks.
As for Wire players, Hill looks very comfortable at that level, as he did last year. Clarke has a touch of class as well, although I'd really prefer him to play for 80 mins so we didn't need a second hooker in the 17.