Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care insists he is determined not to squander his recall to the England set-up.
Care was dropped ahead of this year's RBS Six Nations by new head coach Stuart Lancaster after a series of off-field incidents.
In his absence Lancaster rebuilt the national side after the disaster of last year's World Cup and Care has found the mood on his return markedly different.
With 32 caps, Care is one of the more experienced members of the squad in South Africa for this month's three-Test series but having missed the start of the Lancaster revolution he claims he feels like a rookie.
The 25-year-old, who was coached by Lancaster during their time together at Leeds, said: "It has felt a bit weird being the new boy again. But it is great to come into the squad, it is a young and exciting squad.
"I think the culture has changed quite a lot, I have noticed a big difference.
"You can really see what it means to be picked for England and what a massive honour it is. No one is going to take that for granted."
With Ben Youngs having started Saturday's opening Test loss to the Springboks in Durban and Lee Dickson on the bench, Lancaster has made clear Care must still earn a recall.
But Care, who finished the season in fine form for Quins, will get the opportunity to underline his credentials when he features in Wednesday's tour match against the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley.
Care said: "Obviously I have a point to prove. I have proved my point with my form in the Premiership for Quins, I have proved the type of player I can play as.
"Obviously I have got a chance on Wednesday and would love to get a shot in the main squad, that is why we are all here, to play in the Tests.
"Hopefully I can play well and really push my case."
Care found it tough watching the Six Nations as a side he could have been involved with finished an unexpected second in the championship.
He now wants to repay the faith of Lancaster, under whom he has previously played in age-group internationals.
Care said: "It was horrible and it was my own doing, which was a hard thing to take.
"The chat coming out of the camp was that it was so positive and it sounded like a good place to be.
"I definitely learnt my lesson the hard way.
"All I got told by Stuart was to get my head on my club rugby, play well and I would get another shot. He has been true to his word and I thank him for that.
"It is back to normal with me and him, we get on well.
"I have known him since I was 15 - I was scared of him then and I am still scared of him now! It is great to be working with him again."
