Ireland will face the host nation in the opening game of next year’s World Cup in London and will be joined in their pool by Kazakhstan and USA.

And with Italy, France, Scotland and Wales also battling it out for the title of world champions, Neville insists only by impressing in the autumn will Ireland prosper in the autumn. 

“The Six Nations is a hugely important tournament in its own right, it is an historic competition with all our fiercest rivals,” said Neville.

“But next year it is going to be a crucial part of our build up to the World Cup because all those teams will be there.

“It’s always important to make sure you turn up to a tournament not fearing anyone, so if we beat those teams at the Six Nations then we’ll be confident about anyone we face in the World Cup.

“It would be good to be at the World Cup and know that after the Six Nations some countries might be worried about facing us.”
Ireland lost to Australia and Scotland in the knock-out phase to finish eighth at the 2006 World Cup in Canada.

But Ireland No.8 Neville has set her sights on springing an opening day surprise to lay the foundations for a stronger showing next year.

“The first game against England is the eye-catching one and I think we can expect a lot of publicity from it,” added Neville.

“We know it’s going to be difficult but it would be a fantastic way to start our campaign if we could win it.

“It’s an incredibly difficult tournament but you always want to play against the best and we will be doing that.”