England's team for their opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome has been named - but they know they will face tougher challenges than the Azzurri.
The starting side will have 689 caps between them as Eddie Jones prepares to send out an experienced team with a bonus points victory in mind against what most expect to be the weakest side in the competition.
Ben Te'o will make his first appearance for a year alongside Owen Farrell in the centre, but the side is otherwise a familiar one. Although Eddie Jones picked eight uncapped players in the recent training squad, the one player who could make his debut in the Eternal City is Alec Hepburn of Exeter Chiefs, who is one of the finishers.
Coach Eddie Jones said: "I have selected the strongest available side to play Italy this weekend and the players are excited to play in Rome.
"Our preparation over the last two weeks has been excellent and the players feel refreshed. We want to start the tournament well and are ready to go hunting against Italy."
Bonus points could be crucial to the destination of the championship and scoring four or more tries will enable England to pick up the five points they desire.
The BBC's panel of former players is split over who will win the Six Nations, with some arguing that England's overwhelming success under Jones - they have won all but one match - will not stop an Irish triumph. The experts also expect Scotland to perform well.
Irishman Paul O'Connell and former England star Jeremy Guscott have both tipped Ireland, although Andy Nichol said England would "shade it". Welshman Jonathan Davies said the whole tournament would come down to the last weekend, when England face Ireland at Twickenham on March 17th. Fans booking corporate hospitality for the match will be in for a huge treat if that is the case.
Wales are not expected to do so well, not least because their limited strength in depth will be tested by injuries. However, fans at the England v Wales game on February 10th may get to see a fascinating encounter as the Welsh seek to change their style to playing more with ball in hand.
Davies said: "Wales are looking to change their style of play so this could be a great opportunity - the likes of Rhys Patchell, Josh Adams and Steff Evans have to come in and impress."
All the panel agreed, however, that Italy are destined to finish last. Sergio Parisse has been a brilliant number 8, but the quality of the rest around him has been comparatively modest, particularly against the quality of the other northern hemisphere sides.
Italy are now coached by Conor O'Shea and Parisse has spoken warmly of the Irishman, although the team's aims remain modest.
He remarked: "We're building a team and since Conor took over we're trying to move things forward. The franchises are doing well, especially Benetton, but we know that every single round will be tough."
England will expect to be much too good for Italy, but if Parisse and his colleagues can pull off a surprise result or two, that could have an impact on the destination of the title.
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