Leicester Tigers captain Ben Youngs believes England's Six Nations opener against Wales on Friday night is "massively important" in more ways than one.
Youngs, who starts at scrum-half at the Millennium Stadium, said England must win to exorcise the demons of two years ago when they were denied a Grand Slam in Wales.
But the 25-year-old also insists victory would be significant in boosting belief and gaining the mental edge before they clash with Wales in the World Cup pool stage later this year.
"Wales away will be a big challenge," said Youngs. "But it's one that you look forward to.
"Hopefully, the experience of a couple of years ago will put us in good stead. A lot of the guys are two years wiser.
"They've played at the Millennium Stadium now and, hopefully, they'll use that experience and the things that didn't work out that day.
"It's a great chance for England in terms of trying to win the trophy. We've come very close in the last couple of years and I think it's about time we got over the line.
"A win would add momentum, certainly. In 2003, the guys that went on to win the World Cup won the Grand Slam for the first time.
"It's massively important. It gives you confidence.
"But also, with Wales being in our pool, you want to get that belief from beating them to give you those benefits when you meet them in the pool stages."
Youngs, who is preferred over Danny Care, will line up alongside former Tiger George Ford in the half-back positions tomorrow night, a combination that proved prosperous during the final two autumn internationals against Samoa and Australia.
Now is the time to solidify those on-field partnerships, according to Youngs, who added that he has a strong relationship with scrum-half rival Care.
"The Six Nations is certainly a chance to get guys familiar with playing with each other and get the consistency there," said Youngs.
"It's another five games for guys to get a little bit tighter together and add that experience into the combinations.
"After this, you've only got three warm-up games and then you're into the World Cup, so you'd hope that combinations can start settling down now.
"Me and Danny actually get on really well. Loads of people assume that because you're battling out, it's a massive rivalry.
"We're both respectful of each other, whoever gets the nod, and wish each other well. It's also a really good relationship in terms of getting the best out of each other.
"With Danny, some parts of his game are brilliant and I'd love to have some of the parts he brings to the game. I think the competition that we have is great for us."
