England are the reigning Six Nations champions and will be aiming to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive title ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010, which kicks off at the Surrey Sports Park on August 20. However, the Six Nations front runners were defeated by Wales in last year's tournament, and will be seeking revenge against a Welsh squad that is looking to secure an unprecedented second win.

England Head Coach Gary Street has largely stuck with the winning team that defeated current world champions New Zealand in the Investec Challenge Double Header in November, including Bristol prop Sophie Hemming and No.8 Catherine Spencer, the latter of whom is named as Captain.

Spencer said of the upcoming fixture: "We feel we have to right the wrongs of last year against Wales and set a tone for next year. So much of rugby is about sending messages to your opponents and we want to do that with the first game."

The starting Welsh team includes three of our Ladies: Jamie Kift at openside flanker, Amy Day at scrum half, and Claire Flowers in the centre. Head Coach Jason Lewis said of the fixture: "We are certainly not resting on any successes from last year and we've prepared very well."

With just seven months until the start of the world cup, the Six Nations is a real chance for the players and all the teams involved to put their final preparations into practice, but for the next few weeks, all sides will be focused on winning this most prestigious of European trophies.