2008 saw the side thrashed 38-3 at the Wales tournament while last year the Kiwis emerged 44-28 winners in Japan.

But while the youngsters have been excelling on the world stage Clegg and co. could only struggle to third place in last year’s RBS 6 Nations table.

Clegg has struggled for first team opportunities since his summer move from Newcastle Falcons to Harlequins but the fly-half can’t wait to take his frustration out on his RBS 6 Nations rivals.

“It’s been frustrating not to play as much as I would have liked so far this season,” said Clegg. “But I am really looking forward to the Six Nations starting.

“We had a very good squad last year and played some good stuff in the Six Nations and we are feeling really confident again about this year.

“We have put in some really good performances in the World Championships in the last two summers and that has shown what we can do.

“There is a lot of the squad who played last year who are playing again and we have got some good new players in so there is a lot of confidence that we can win it.

“I was talking to the coach Mark Mapletoft the other day and he said he was excited ahead of last year but he is even more excited about this year.”