Despite the Friday night fireworks, Wood kept his composure to help England to a 26-19 triumph – holding onto his shirt for the defeats of Italy and France.

Skipper Moody has remained with Bath this week after seeing his injured knee flair up again but Croft has already made a successful return at club level – increasing the pressure on Wood’s place before the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland on March 13.

“The competition is fierce so I just have to keep working hard,” said Wood.

“I am not assured of my place so I have to keep grafting and keep around the squad and then make sure I back it up with a good performance on match day because you cannot afford to lose your focus.

“There is competition for places within our back row so if you are not up for each game and not doing your homework then the opposition will make a mug of you and you will be out of the team.

“I am a very inexperienced player at this level and am competing against some big names but all I can do is graft. I get stuck in during training, I try to give the best account of myself, to give myself the best chance to get in the team.

“When I get out there on the field, I try to do exactly the same. I try to play as I train and how I play with my club. If I keep doing that and putting in performances then my reputation will grow. For now though I just have to keep working hard and making sure I am on the field.”