The Wallabies head to Dublin for a boom-or-bust showdown with Ireland next Sunday armed with renewed belief after averting disaster with a stirring second-half comeback at rugby's spiritual home.

Mighty defence, a magnificent man-of-the-match display from rookie scrumhalf Will Genia, some welcome composure and a powerhouse late try to fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper were just enough for Australia to overcome the shear class and inspiration of England's returning hero Jonny Wilkinson.

Playing his first Test in 18 months, Australia's World Cup nemesis threatened to heap yet more misery on the Wallabies after booting the depleted hosts to a shock 9-5 half-time advantage.

In a gripping encounter, Australia continued to trail until Matt Giteau drilled an angled 25m penalty goal on the hour, before Ashley-Cooper carried four English defenders over the line eight minutes from time to clinch a desperately hard-fought win.

''England threw everything at us. They tried everything. They tried width, they tried the short route, they tried to turn us and the boys stood up to that test really well. I'm very proud,'' Deans said.

Deans's daring selection of Quade Cooper alongside Digby Ioane as an untried centres pairing reaped rewards, with Cooper's footwork and signature wide passing game combined with Genia's outstanding service giving the Wallabies back line an added dimension.

Although they only scored twice, including a maiden Test try for Genia in just his fourth starting appearance the Wallabies could have had several more with the back line a constant threat to England's vulnerable defence.

''In his first big occasion essentially, Quade has stepped up and done really well. But, as is often the case, it's week two that is the key,'' Deans said.

He could well have been talking about his entire side, with the Wallabies having struggled throughout his 25-Test tenure to string back-to-back performances together.