WILL Greenwood has admitted to feeling a mixture of delight and relief after retaining his place in the England side for the clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The Blackburn-born 28-year-old was the hero in December when his try proved the catalyst for England's impressive 25-17 victory against South Africa at Twickenham.

Greenwood, a former pupil of Stonyhurst College and son of former England captain Richard Greenwood, only started the South Africa game because of injury to Mike Catt but, with the Bath centre returning to fitness, England boss Clive Woodward has decided to leave out Mike Tindall for the Six Nations opener.

Greenwood, who scored his first international try in the 60-26 demolition of Wales at Twickenham in 1998, said: "The elation was huge when I was picked but Mike was the first to come and wish me luck for Saturday. That's the kind of spirit we are trying to get in the squad and I think it comes through in games and will hopefully do so again on Saturday."

The game takes on special significance for the blonde-haired Harlequins star because of the links he has with Wales.

He added: "My parents live in Llandudno so I'm delighted to be playing in this game as I've got a lot of friends there who I play golf with.

"They give me a lot of stick but I'll look forward to seeing them again in the summer -- and hopefully I'll have a smile on my face."