But  Sheridan, who is inching way back to full fitness after spending the best part of a year out with a shoulder injury, is under no illusions over the hard work that lies between now and the 2011 World Cup.

“It’s difficult to say if there has been a change in attitude after the win in Sydney as it’s pre-season and everyone is pretty relaxed,” said the loose-head. “But the boys are in good spirits and confident about the season ahead.

“We just need to get some consistency in our play now and having watched a lot of the Tri Nations recently, New Zealand are, as always, playing fantastically and have set the bench mark for everyone else.

“That is obviously the level of performance we are striving to achieve and the hard works starts from now.

“I never really had doubts that I wouldn’t be able to make a full recovery and would have to call it a day.

“Obviously the first couple of weeks after the operation were very slow and naturally quite hard to take, but with major operations such as these it takes time.

“It’s just really pleasing to be back involved again with the squad after being out for so long.

“It wasn’t a nice experience at all and I‘m just hoping that I can push on, put these injury worries behind me and put some consistency into my form.”