Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 may be just over 200 days away, but England coach Gary Street insists the RBS Six Nations is his number one priority as they look to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
Street has revealed his hand early by naming his line-up for the Six Nations opener against Wales at Esher RFC next weekend, a tough opener against the only side to have beaten England in the last four years of the competition.
That defeat - Wales' first ever in 22 years of trying - came in last year's competition when Non Evans kicked an injury-time penalty to seal a 16-15 in Cardiff and end England's hopes of a fourth successive Grand Slam.
LOOK OUT NEXT WEEK FOR NON EVANS' COLUMN IN OUR WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2010 COUNTDOWN SERIES, WHEN SHE LOOKS BACK ON THAT HISTORIC VICTORY.
The starting line-up shows only one change from that which beat New Zealand at Twickenham last November, the 10-3 victory being England's first over the three-time defending World Cup champions since 2001.
Fiona Pocock comes in on the wing in place of the injured Charlotte Barras, while Street welcomes back experienced prop Rochelle Clark from injury with La Toya Mason, Rowena Burnfield and Michaela Staniford also called up.
"After our win against New Zealand I have kept faith in the team, making only one change. There is a genuine buzz in the squad and we want to keep the momentum going post that victory in the autumn," said Street.
"This is certainly the best team I was able to select.
"I am delighted to welcome back Rochelle Clark, who is one of the world's best props, while this is a real opportunity for La Toya, Rowena and Michaela who were the stand out players for the England A team against New Zealand.
"We won't get distracted by the World Cup. Our priority at the moment is the Six Nations. We have got to get the job done against Wales first off and then we will take on the rest of our rivals. Yes, this is important preparation for the World Cup, but our current aim is to play as well as we can in the Six Nations."
England team to face Wales: 1. Claire Purdy 2. Amy Garnett 3. Sophie Hemming 4. Rebecca Essex 5. Joanna McGilchrist 6. Heather Fisher 7. Maggie Alphonsi 8. Catherine Spencer (Captain) 9. Amy Turner 10. Katy McLean 11. Fiona Pocock 12. Rachael Burford 13. Emily Scarratt 14. Kat Merchant 15. Claire Allan.
Replacements: 16. Samantha Reeve 17. Rochelle Clark 18. Rowena Burnfield 19. Tamara Taylor 20. La Toya Mason 21. Alice Richardson 22. Michaela Staniford.
