They may have home advantage, but few rugby followers are expecting England to win the IRB Under 21 World Cup, which starts in Oxfordshire and Berkshire this weekend.

After an undistinguished Six Nations, England are seeded only sixth of the 12 nations.

So the host country go into their first match against Australia at Iffley Road on Friday (June 13, 7pm), as underdogs.

England's squad, coached by the former Bath duo of Jon Callard and Nigel Redman, is a mixed bag of talents who have progressed through the ranks of international schools rugby, and players who have gained invaluable international experience in other sports.

Marcel Garvey is one of the most recognisable names, having already played international rugby for England A during this season's winning Six Nations campaign.

The 20-year-old winger sprung to prominence after an impressive hat-trick of tries on his Premiership debut outing in September against Bristol Shoguns. Since then he has not looked back.

"It has been quite an interesting season," he said. "I have worked really hard and fortunately it has paid off, though I quickly discovered the pace of the game at this level is a lot quicker than junior rugby and a lot more physical.

He added: "Obviously my ultimate ambition is to play for the senior England team, but I think that is a way off yet, so being part of the under 21s team is a very important step for me."

But Garvey is not the only England player to look out for.

Others to keep an eye on are Bath's giant lock Jonathan Pendlebury and Saracens duo Ryan Peacey and Adryan Winnan.

However, Australia will be formidable opposition, with ten players who played in this year's Super 12 competition.

Brumbies winger Mark Gerrard, Waratahs flanker Rocky Elsom and Reds scrum-half Josh Valentine all had excellent Super 12 campaigns, with Gerrard and Elsom tipped as possible inclusions in the Wallaby squad to play June tests against Ireland, Wales and England.

England Under 21s' other games are against Japan at Newbury next Tuesday and versus France at Henley on Saturday week.

Another of the likely favourites are holders South Africa, who open proceedings against Ireland at Iffley Road this afternoon (3).

The sheer size and strength of their squad, evident at Wednesday night's reception for the teams at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium, makes one fear for the opposition!

They should progress through the pool stage, with other games against Canada and Wales.

One of the most eagerly waited of the pool matches ins the 'Down Under' clash between Australia and New Zealand at Newbury on Saturday week.

The fact that this tournament is being staged here is a tremendous boost for rugby in this region.

It is to be hoped that the fans flock in to give the tournament the atmosphere and interest it warrants.