DAN Lydiate says the pain of Wales' Six Nations defeat at Twickenham is ensuring Sunday's clash against England is no ordinary tour tune-up.

Warren Gatland takes his side to London for a friendly fixture with the Grand Slam winners (kick-off 3pm) before the daunting three Tests against world champions New Zealand.

The Twickenham encounter has its critics who have dismissed it as a pure money-spinner but Lydiate has stressed the importance of blowing away the cobwebs ahead of taking on the All Blacks – and gaining a smidgen of revenge for their March agony.

England took the spoils in the Six Nations title decider after racing into a 19-0 lead, Wales' late charge falling short in a 25-21 defeat.

"The first half of that Six Nations game is still hurting. We've got a chance to play against the Grand Slam winning side and the boys are really looking forward to it," said the blindside flanker.

"We are still scratching our heads now about the first half. It was tough watching it back and nobody wants to feel like we did after that game again, we've just to make sure our preparation is right and we fly into the game.

"All credit to England, they flew into us and we were found wanting. We weren't at the races at all."

The majority of Gatland's squad have not played since the conclusion of the Guinness Pro12 regular season, so the management intend to name a strong XV on Friday morning.

And the pressure will be on the visitors given that England are without their influential Saracens and Exeter contingent, including Owen Farrell, Jack Nowell, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola and Luke Cowan-Dickie from the Six Nations encounter.

"It's always a big challenge going there but one that you relish. We are looking forward to this weekend to hopefully start the tour off on a strong foot," said former Newport Gwent Dragons captain Lydiate.

"Both sides will get a lot out of having a big hit before going out on our tours. You always rub your hands together when you get the chance to play England and hopefully it will serve both teams well, to have a really good blowout and get back to that international intensity before we go Down Under.

"We were in last week and had quite intense sessions. The boys are looking in good shape, everyone is lean and there have been a few PBs.

"That shows everyone has been diligent with their training and what they have been eating because we know it's a big tour.

"We have a massive game ahead of us that will hopefully put us in good stead to head to New Zealand with confidence."