Never has there been a more important fixture for Martin Johnson. His tenure as England's Head Coach has been marked by several ups and downs - probably more downs than ups - and the opening fixture of this year's RBS Six Nations is likely to determine the direction of England's fortunes.

A win over Wales would get the championship off to a flying start. With Twickenham packed to the rafters, nervous excitement in the air, Centenary celebrations to kick things off, an ambitious performance and an opening victory would go down exceptionally well with the crowd.

Most importantly, it would lift spirits within a camp that was besieged by criticism in the Autumn, and it might just set the players on an upward trajectory. A week later in Rome, it really ought to be two out of two, and then confidence will be much higher when Ireland visit Twickenham at the end of the month.

Three wins out of three heading into the Scotland game would make a Grand Slam match against France a distinct possibility, and who would have imagined that after the dismal displays at the end of last year?

However, it could all be so different. A second consecutive home defeat to Wales on Saturday and the downward spiral will continue. The media will pick over the bones of failure, pointing the finger at the likes of Johnson, Steve Borthwick and Jonny Wilkinson, and the mood in the camp will be lower than low.

In this scenario, facing Italy at the Stadio Flaminio is a much more frightening prospect. Two years ago, there was a four-point margin when Italy hosted England, and a win is by no means guaranteed - imagine the reaction if England lose in Rome and are left at the bottom of the table with Ireland, Scotland and France still to come? The Wooden Spoon would not be out of the question.

This year's Six Nations will be as competitive as ever, and a strong start for England is imperative. Without wanting to pile on too much pressure, it really could be 'make or break' at Twickenham this weekend.

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