England's women put faith in youth as 2013 Six Nations title defence begins against Scotland England, who went even better than the men in beating world champions New Zealand not once but three times in the autumn, have set their immediate sights on tilting for a World Cup Sevens crown. Seventeen of their leading players are away in camp preparing for that tournament in June and are in action this weekend in Houston. However, such is the depth of talent in the women's game that they will still field a very competitive side as they look for their eighth Six Nations title in succession. It will be their toughest campaign to date. England are fielding a young line-up but there is only one new cap in it, Richmond centre Abigail Chamberlain, who forms a midfield partnership with Bristol's Amber Reed. Reed, 21, is part of the new generation hoping to contribute to the burgeoning success of women's rugby in England. The Exercise and Sports Science student comes from good stock, with uncle, Andy, a former Lions, Scotland and Bath lock. "This is my first experience of the Six Nations and it's going to be a really intense period," said Reed, who is in her final year at Exeter University. We've all got one eye on next year's World Cup so whatever happens over the next few weeks will be really important. All I can do is play hard and hope to put my hand up. Reed is typical of the emerging group. She has been playing for several years, trains with professional intent even though she is, like her team-mates, an amateur. She is a talented all-round athlete, having played hockey, netball and cricket to county level. She first took to rugby at Colston's in Bristol, a renowned rugby academy, and has played through the age groups. She played eight times for England Under-20s, four for England A before stepping up to Test level against France in the autumn. "Those wins over France and New Zealand show just what we're capable of," Reed said. England are aiming to be the best in the world. The England back line is raw but the pack has plenty of experience with captain, Sarah Hunter, packing down at No 8. Lichfield's Harriet Millar-Mills is on the bench. She could face her older sister, Bridget, who is poised to make her Scotland debut. "This is a big year for Scotland with 2014 Rugby World Cup qualification at stake so we are not going to be taking anything for granted," Gary Street, England's head coach, said. Saturday's opener is definitely going to be a tough test for us.