But it was in that same match – a 12-6 victory – that the 27-year-old suffered a rib injury that would rule him out for a month.

So Golding had to kick his heels as Payne and co struggled in England scrum but is now, alongside Falcons front-row partner in crime Carl Hayman, fighting fit and determined to make an impression before Martin Johnson selects his party for the trip Down Under.

“It could not have been any worse timing, happening three days before the England squad announcement was made,” said Golding who learnt the scrummaging ropes at Leicester’s academy.

“I was in the wrong place at the bottom of my ruck and I heard my rib go pop which straight away I knew was not a good sign. I tried to stay on but realised I would have to come off before I did myself some serious damage.

“I have a knack of getting injured at the wrong times, just before big games, so I was not despondent about it.

“I spoke to Graham (Rowntree) and he told me to get fit and get back playing the way I was so it is good to know I am in their thoughts.

“I need to push hard every game we have got left because the summer tour is a big target.”

While Golding has been working his way back to full fitness after picking also picking up a calf injury, all eyes have been on Hayman and the Kiwi prop’s big-money move to Toulon.

Hayman has had a major influence on Golding’s emergence into the international reckoning but the pair are also close off the pitch having bonded over an unlikely shared interest for two props – surfing.

Along with Newcastle’s other Southern Hemisphere contingent – Jimmy Gopperth and Tane Tu’ipulotu – they travel up to Scotland to catch some waves.

And Golding admits Hayman’s departure is going to be felt both on and off the pitch.

He said: “It will be a big blow to lose him because he is such an awesome rugby player.

“I have learnt a huge amount since he has been here – particularly the mindset you need to thrive in the front row. He is very laidback off the pitch but when it comes to game time he is ready for battle.

“But it is a blow because he is a mate and he will be missed. We have spent a lot of time going up to Scotland surfing.

“I am sure the water will be much warmer down in the south of France – hopefully I will be able to join him down there one day!”