Despite setting up club teammate Ben Foden for the game’s only try in England’s 12-10 defeat to France, Ashton butchered a glorious chance to grab his own piece of glory.

Faced with French full-back Clement Poitrenaud, Ashton opted to kick ahead rather than rely on his speed which has helped bring him 19 tries in 26 appearances for the Saints this season.

Being in the unfamiliar position of left wing did not aid Ashton’s cause but the 23-year-old maintains he has learnt from the experience. 

He said: “It was a new thing to me, in that position (left wing). But that's what wingers are for, to take chances. But the experience will stand me in good stead for big games like this one.

“I've had quite a few looks at it. If it happened again, I definitely wouldn't kick it. I'd at least have a go. There were players behind me so I could have slowed. 

“I thought Poitrenaud was coming close to me, but as I looked down to kick it, he stopped and had started running back.

“Instead, because I was in an unfortunate position that I'm not used to being in, I did a stupid thing.

“If I'd been on the right, I might have stepped inside him and gone for the posts.

"I don't like to say it, though, but it might have had an effect on that 'try'. But, really, it didn't matter in my head and if I was asked again, it wouldn't bother me."