The former England skipper writes exclusively for The Northern Echo during the RBS 6 Nations.

WITH the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup little more than seven months away, the road to New Zealand will well and truly get under way in Cardiff tonight The opening game of the RBS 6 Nations will provide a big test for Martin Johnson’s men.

A packed house at the Millennium Stadium is a formidable prospect, and England will have to get on top from the off – competing up front and stretching the play across the backs.

The autumn games proved that, on their day, this England team can beat the best. It also proved that England are susceptible to the odd blip.

Brilliant against Australia and bafflingly weak against South Africa – the key for England over the next couple of months is to find the consistency to challenge for top spot.

Tonight will set the tone for the whole Six Nations, perhaps, even the World Cup.

From the outset England must go for the jugular and get under Welsh skin. This is about who wants it more – England haven’t won a Six Nations game in Cardiff since 2003 and it’s important they break that hoodoo.

Wales are missing Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins, a huge blow to their makeup, but I don’t expect England to rest on their laurels. With the likes of Easter and Sheridan marshalling the English pack, I’d be very surprised to see even a smidgen of complacency creep into their game.

The most exciting aspect of England’s game at present lies in the back three combination of Foden, Cueto and Ashton. If they can strike up the sort of telepathic relationship they were operating with during the autumn, I don’t think too many defences in this Six Nations, let alone the world, will be able to live with them.

In the absence of Lewis Moody, the more experienced guys in the squad will have to stand up and be counted.

The likes of Worsley, Shaw, Tindall and Wilkinson have seen it all before and it’s up to them to keep the younger ones on the right path.

The off-pitch psychology is just as important as it is on it, and Martin Johnson finally seems to have everyone pulling in the same direction.

With players looking to cement their place in the side, as well their seat on the plane down under, I’m expecting England to explode out of the blocks tonight.

* Lawrence Dallaglio is rugby ambassador for Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of England Rugby. Enjoy a proper pint at your nearest Greene King IPA Official England Rugby Supporter Pub by visiting www.greenekingipa.co.uk