Rugby Union: Dragon fire can put the heat on our title charge

LET'S make it clear. If we are going to be crowned Northern Hemisphere kings this time we're going to have to scramble onto the throne the hard way.

Because the Six Nations fixture men have given us the most demanding start to the 2001 championship possible.

If there's something I know about this England squad it's that we have incredible heart and a ravenous hunger for success - combined with talent and skill.

We are certainly going to need all of those attributes during the coming weeks of fierce, ultra-competitive rugby - particularly the first one.

I'd have happily accepted a nice home game to get the ball rolling, and get match points on the board. It would have enabled us to find our playing rhythm.

Yes, we have three home games, against Italy, Scotland and France. And we always enjoy playing in front of the Twickenham fans.

But, unfortunately, we've been thrown straight into the dragon's den in Cardiff where no one takes prisoners - particularly the home side.

The Welsh love nothing more than to stick one on the English. There's a special intensity about this game, and with it being staged in the Millennium Stadium, there will be an even more incredible atmosphere.

I was there for the World Cup final, and it's a superb sporting theatre. I'm looking forward to playing in it and I'm delighted they are planning to close the roof.

It's a shame Twickenham doesn't have one, and also Dublin, Paris, Rome and Murrayfield. For I believe that if you can keep the elements at bay at this time of year it will make for much better rugby.

We're aiming to score tries and throw the ball around - but the kicking side of things will have just as great a say in the outcome of matches as normal.

If we're going to win the title, Jonny Wilkinson's boot will need to be inch-perfect. He did us proud against Australia, South Africa and Argentina a few months back and he's such a confident and composed lad that nothing disturbs him on or off the field.

It should be some kicking contest between him and Neil Jenkins. Both ourselves and Wales will be going for tries but naturally the odd penalty kicked or missed here or there will prove crucial.

Forward domination is always a necessity to lay the path for victory, and we've been lucky enough to have some of the best forwards in the world for a long time now. That was our strengh in the 80s and 90s, and it's no different now - though they couldn't do without us backs!

Of course I'm praying I will be picked for Cardiff. I'd love to be out there on the wing. But we'll have to wait and see.

The main objective is to get the championship off to a flying start. It's a game we cannot afford to lose if we're going to seriously think about the title.

And this season there is also the other target of getting on the British Lions' tour Down Under at he end of it.

Places are up for grabs and it gives everyone, including myself, an extra incentive to shine in this tournament.

How I'd love to be stepping on that plane to Australia!

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