But their supremacy has found its match on a world stage with the New Zealand edging them out for the third final running.

New captain Katy McLean, who takes the reins from Bristol back-rower Catherine Spencer, however maintains their World Cup heartache is out of sight and out of mind.

She said: “We can’t spend too long thinking about the World Cup, we have to move forward and the perfect way to do that is by winning games in the Six Nations.

“It is great to have taken over the captaincy, it was a bit of a surprise because I didn’t expect Catherine to stand down but it is an honour to have been chosen."

England’s last defeat in the Six Nations came at the hands of Wales in 2009 as they went down 16-15 at Taffs Wells.

And despite Wales finishing with the Wooden Spoon last year and undergoing wholesale changes since the World Cup, new coach Kris de Scossa is hoping lightning can strike twice when they clash at Cross Keys.

He said: “In terms of resources we have a mountain but if we can outperform them in the key areas then there’s no reason why we can’t repeat what we did two years ago.

“The Welsh are world renowned for their love of rugby and we want as many people to come down to lend us their support.”

Also looking for revenge are a French team that suffered a surprise 10-8 opening round defeat to Scotland.

Scrum-half Marie Alice Yahe said: “Losing to Scotland was a huge surprise and disappointment last year.

“We should have never lost that game in the last minute but it means we will be more focussed this year.”

Meanwhile Scotland captain Susie Brown admits the Championship will have a different feel so soon after the World Cup.

He said: “Playing in France is always brilliant but to start in France on a Friday night is a fantastic way to begin and I am really excited about it.

“I think the first Six Nations after a World Cup is always a bit different because it is a fresh start for everyone and we are excited about what the next four years holds for us.”