Full-back Mike Brown could hardly contain his delight after learning of his England selection, but knows he must justify his recall.
Brown will make his first England start for four years after being named in head coach Stuart Lancaster's side for today's first Test against South Africa in Durban.
The 26-year-old Harlequins number 15 was recalled from the international wilderness by Lancaster for this year's Six Nations and, after three appearances as a replacement, is now relishing the chance to start.
He said: "I am massively over the moon to be given this opportunity. It has been a long time since I have been here and I am just massively looking forward to it.
"It has been hard work getting here and I have got to repay Stuart now for putting me in."
Brown was vying for the full-back berth with Ben Foden but the Northampton man has been moved out to the left wing following an injury to David Strettle.
Lancaster feels having Brown and Foden on the field together will improve the team's ability to cope with high balls as well as increasing kicking options.
Whether that is a tactic that will be used throughout the series remains to be seen, but Brown is not concerning himself with anything beyond this weekend's game yet.
Brown, who endured a torrid international debut against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2007, said: "I am just focused on this one game, taking each game as it comes like I have done all season with Harlequins and just trying to focus on what I need to bring to help this team get the win, concentrating on my core skills and defusing their brilliant kicking game.
"They have got a world-class kicker in (Morne) Steyn so I need to be on my mettle and focused the whole 80 minutes.
"I can't wait to get on the pitch and wear that 15 jersey again."
Brown and Foden will form a back three with right wing Chris Ashton, who played as a full-back in rugby league before switching codes five years ago.
Brown said: "I have got world-class players either side of me who have played so well over the last couple of years, so they will help me out and I will help them out in certain situations.
"We are all massively looking forward to the tests that they bring and can't wait to get out there. We have been working well this week but you can't tell until you get out there."
