LONDON, (Reuters) – This year’s World Cup will cast a long shadow over the 2011 Six Nations as the teams battle for supremacy in the northern hemisphere.
The November internationals showed that the southern hemisphere sides still dominate the sport but at least England’s 35-18 humbling of Australia gave the European teams some hope of being able to compete in rugby’s showpiece event.
As the only northern nation to have won the World Cup, in 2003, England know the importance of building momentum and their last Six Nations grand slam was achieved eight years ago. The former world champions and favourites kick off proceedings against Wales in Cardiff on Friday (1945 GMT), a tought test given the fervent Welsh support but even more so for an inexperienced England who have not won in Wales since 2003.
“It’s a great stadium and a big noisy crowd so our composure, communication and leadership is important,” coach Martin Johnson said.
