Back in favour now, Balshaws richly-promising international rugby career had stuttered to a halt amid a crisis of confidence and a succession of injury setbacks.

But after being called up to replace injured full-back Jason Robinson after not figuring in Englands last 11 matches, Balshaw insists he always believed he would battle his way back.

I never once thought I wouldnt play for England again, said the World Cup winner.

As soon as I think that, I might as well stop playing.

Ahead of his return, Balshaw added: Obviously I want to get my hands on the ball as much as possible and try and have a good attacking game, but I have to concentrate on doing all the basics right for starters, catching the high ball, making my tackles and getting
the lines in space.

The main thing is not to try and force anything.

You want to try and make an impression and play well but there is a stage where you can try and force it too much and try and do things all the time when really the simple things are the best options.

The recall has ended a long period of uncertainty for Balshaw, in which he believes he has lost around 20 months of the last four years to a catalogue of shoulder, groin and ankle injuries.

But loss of form has also played its part after a scintillating start to an international career which has seen him score 11 tries in 22 appearances for his country.

Balshaw believes he has benefited from the kick up the backside provided by a move from Bath to a Leeds side who, despite currently battling the threat of relegation from the English Premiership, reached the Powergen Cup final with Sundays victory over London Irish.