England should take the first step towards at least a semi-final berth when they launch their World Cup campaign against Italy at Twickenham today.

But former captain Lawrence Dallaglio refuses to downplay Italy,

despite the Italians' drubbing in June in South Africa when in two Tests against the Springboks they conceded 175 points.

"We know how hard it is to win over there," said Dallaglio.

But while Dallaglio urges caution, England coach Clive Woodward is convinced the Southern Hemisphere grip since the first World Cup 12 years ago can finally be released.

Woodward is convinced that despite the current world rankings suggestion that the Tri-Nations superpowers will again dominate, England can spoil the party.

He backs his belief on current form - Wales's eight-Test unbeaten run, Scotland's mantle as Five Nations champions, Ireland's ability to beat anyone in Dublin and an England squad that can mix it with the best.

However, defeat against the Italians should be unthinkable, but England made painfully hard work of beating them in a shocking World Cup qualifier at Huddersfield last November.

ENGLAND: M Perry; D Luger, W Greenwood, P de Glanville, A Healey; J Wilkinson, M Dawson; J Leonard, R Cockerill, P Vickery, M Johnson (capt), D Grewcock, R Hill, N Back, L Dallaglio. Replace- ments: N Beal, J Guscott, P Grayson, M Corry, G Rowntree, D Garforth, P Greening.

ITALY: M Pini; P Vaccari, C Stoica, L Martin, N Zisti; D Dominguez, A Troncon; F Pucciarello, A Moscardi, F Properzi, W Cristofoletto, M Giacheri, M Giovanelli (capt), M Bergamasco, O Arancio. Replacements: N Mazzucato, F Mazzariol, G Mazzi, A de Rossi, C Checchinato, A Castellani, A Moretti.

Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa).