Hansen wants his team to create their own history

The two countries meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Brisbane, locked together at 49 wins apiece since they first met back in 1881.

However, England have dominated in recent years, winning 10 of the last 11 matches.

"There is no history between the team we've picked and the team they've picked," Hansen said.

"This is the first time this group of people has come together.

"So while history is lovely and tradition is great - as long as it doesn't get in the way of progress - it has no relevance on the day.

"What happens when the whistle goes is what will create history.

"That's all we can worry about - creating our own piece of history through our performance.

"If it's good enough to win the match, then so be it, and if it's not, then we've just got to accept that we got beaten by a better side on the day."

I don't see Jonny Wilkinson having any form slumps Wales boss Steve Hansen

Hansen has packed his back division with exciting runners like Iestyn Harris, Shane Williams, Mark Jones and Gareth Thomas, who will start in the Wales' number 15 jersey for the first time after playing centre or wing throughout a lengthy international career.

But the coach knows that without quality possession from the pack Wales won't be able to perform.

"We have to get some parity in the set-pieces and around the park if we want to compete with them," he said.

"The game is always won up front. The backs score all the tries, but the forwards do all the donkey work."

Hansen also refused the join the growing band of people saying that England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson looked out of form.

"I don't see him having any form slumps. I think that Wilkinson probably right now is the best number 10 in the world," insisted the coach.