JONNY WILKINSON fears World Cup history could repeat itself if tournament favourites England "don't get it right" against Wales.

England's star fly-half, who wins his 50th cap at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, still vividly recalls the pain of defeat in Paris four years ago.

South Africa stood between England and a semi-final place that day, but it all went horribly wrong as Springboks kicking machine Jannie De Beer nailed Wilkinson and company with a world record five drop-goals.

Wales, judging by their scintillating display against New Zealand last weekend, have the potential to cause England fresh quarter- final problems.

And Wilkinson, in need of a commanding performance following a below-par tournament by his standards, knows the red rose brigade cannot afford to switch off.

"I think what happened four years ago has been hugely valuable, not just for the here and now, but the last few years of mine have been enormously affected by that game," he said.

"It was a huge wake-up call, really, on the pressures of international rugby and the fierce nature of the do-or-die stages of the World Cup, which has benefited me hugely.

"If we don't get it right on this day, then it will definitely be the same result for us and that would be, I'm sure, even more painful to deal with.

"We have to get out there and compete properly and play well, or we're on the plane home."

Wales have lost 10 times against their fierce rivals since 1993.

The one reversal in that time was a Grand Slam-wrecking loss at Wembley four years ago.

Since then though, England have reeled off five successive victories - 46-12, 44-15, 50-10, 26-9 and 43-9 - which under-lines the magnitude of Wales' task.

Desp ite that one-sided sequence though, Wilkinson maintains there will be enough Welsh talent on show to make it a fiercely competitive encounter.

"We know jolly well that if we don't start fantastically from the first whistle and carry that through, then there is an enormous possibility the whole year will be over for us," he admitted.

Wales winger moved to full-back

WALES coach Steve Hansen has made four changes to his starting line-up for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against England.

It includes a first Test start at full-back for Gareth Thomas, who is just one try short of equalling Ieuan Evans' all-time Welsh international try-scoring record.

Thomas, normally a wing or centre, takes over from the concussed Garan Evans.

Llanelli wing Mark Jones is preferred to Tom Shanklin, and former rugby league star Iestyn Harris returns alongside Mark Taylor, with Sonny Parker ruled out by a shoulder injury.

Hansen has retained the same front five that did sterling service in the 53-37 loss against the All Blacks, but there is no back-row place for former Wales skipper Martyn Williams.

Hansen's rejigged back row sees exciting 20-year-old prospect Jonathan Thomas in the number eight jersey.