However Greenwood begs to differ and insists the Saracens prop was not only worth his selection, but that the 28-year-old should survive the cull and book his spot in the final 30.

Stevens was a revelation in the crucial final third of the season as Sarries won a first Aviva Premiership title and England Saxons secured the Churchill Cup.

And it is that late-season charge that Greenwood believes should secure his spot on the plane to New Zealand this autumn.

“Matt was perhaps the one name in the squad that raised eyebrows but it shouldn’t have,” said Greenwood, who is an ambassador for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series 2011.

“He ended the season really well and definitely warrants a spot in the 45-man squad.

“He is a genuine tough guy, as a lot of our front rowers are in that squad, and absolutely merits a place in that 45-man squad.

“He looked back to his best in the Churchill Cup and took the chance to prove his worth to Martin Johnson.

“That is the measure of the man and when called upon he usually answers, and you need those players in the final squad.”

With the seven props in the 45-man squad expected to be shaved down to either four or five, the hard work is just starting for Stevens to secure his berth.

With Dan Cole, Alex Corbisiero and Andrew Sheridan relative shoo-ins for three spots Stevens will have to battle it out with Paul Doran-Jones, Tim Payne and David Wilson for the remaining one – or two – plane tickets.

Greenwoodknows all about the skills needed to lift the famous William Webb Ellis Cup having been the tournaments joint top try scorer in England’s successful 2003 campaign Down Under.

And the former British and Irish Lion believes Stevens’ versatility should see him given the nod.

“The other thing that makes him a very useful addition to the squad and a very important player is that he can play on both sides of the scrum and offer a lot either side too,” added Greenwood.

“This puts him above other players obviously because of his versatility but he is much more than that as his ball handling and ball carrying is also top notch.”

Tickets for every round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492