Lewis Moody: Sam Simmonds can inject life into England
World Cup winner Lewis Moody is confident the introduction of Sam Simmonds will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the England back row during the 2018 Six Nations.
Simmonds replaced Nathan Hughes against Argentina in the autumn for his international debut before making his only England start against Samoa a few weeks later.
However, with Billy Vunipola and Hughes both ruled out of the opening two Six Nations fixtures the Exeter Chiefs' No 8 looks set to be a vital component in Eddie Jones's side for the foreseeable future.
Lewis Moody believes England's young No 8 Sam Simmonds is an exciting prospect
The Exeter Chief is a different kind of player to Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes
The 23-year-old has just one international start under his belt but will earn his fourth cap against Italy in Rome this weekend as England look for a third-straight Six Nations title.
And Moody, 39, who played 71 times for England in the back row welcomes the different style that Simmonds can bring to Eddie Jones' back row.
'I am glad to see Sam Simmonds given an opportunity, he's not a destructive ball carrier like Hughes and Vunipola but has more of a step and can move like a centre,' he said.
'He can be more of a link man, it's an exciting and different prospective. It's always nice to have variety.
'You are looking for a unique blend across the back row and to have someone completely different is exciting. You need to give these guys the opportunity.'
England are looking for an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title and open their 2018 account on Sunday in Rome against Conor O'Shea's Italy.
And Moody is expecting a comfortable victory for England against a team that has picked up the wooden spoon 12 times since their introduction to the tournament in 2000.
It's a record which, for Moody, shows that the format of the Six Nations needs to change with relegation to a second-tier tournament introduced sooner rather than later.
Simmonds possesses quick feet and a low centre of gravity making him effective in the loose
Moody, speaking on behalf of Land Rover, added: 'I can't see Italy causing any upset anywhere during the competition which is a shame because Conor O'Shea and Mike Catt are incredible coaches,' he added.
'I just don't believe they have the quality of player or club competition back home to develop the players to compete at this level regularly.
'In the Six Nations each year there's some growth but they never get passed fifth or sixth, it's a good reason why we should see promotion and relegation.
'Give opportunity to other nations, teams like Georgia who are asking for more tougher matches. I would like to see relegation as competition for places drives performance.
'I think it would develop the game we love around Europe. I don't see it happening in the near future but definitely think it should happen. It would take a shift in mindset but let's wait and see.'
And while all eyes this weekend will be on the Six Nations, Moody claims the key barometer to England's 2019 World Cup chances lies in the autumn when they face world champions New Zealand.
Moody enjoyed a decorated career and believes the Six Nations should have relegation
England haven't faced the All Blacks since 2014 but Moody, whose only victory over New Zealand came in 2002, 12 months prior to his own World Cup success, knows the psychological importance of the match-up.
'The important match is New Zealand next year, it gives you belief and confidence when you are playing in a World Cup knowing you have done it before,' Moody added.
'They are shaping up nicely with 22 wins in 23 games which is quite a feat and they're constantly evolving, developing and gaining more belief.
'If you are No 1 it does not matter who you play. I would like to think they can get all the players fit, they have a great opportunity to beat New Zealand.
'Knowing you have beaten every side, that belief is all important to winning a World Cup.'
Lewis Moody is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover has a heritage in rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite, supporting the game for two decades. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal