The Leeds Tykes full-back was one of England's outstanding performers against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations and scored a try in the 39-7 win.

However, Balshaw was disappointed not to have scored a second late on in the game when he fumbled the ball over the line when under no pressure.

The 25-year-old was able to laugh about the incident after the game at Twickenham.

I said earlier in the week that you could do things on the pitch which would make you look like a prat and that was definitely one of them,'' Balshaw joked.

Robbo (Andy Robinson) just said to me 'get in the game when you can and read the game as you can', and thats what I did so Im pretty happy.''

Balshaw has endured a difficult time with injury and loss of form since he burst onto the international scene as a 20-year-old in 2000, but he now looks to be returning to something like his top form.

He took the difficult decision to leave Bath at the end of last season, feeling his career had begun to stagnate, and he is sure the move is beginning to pay dividends.

As much as I loved Bath, it was the right thing to do to move totally away up to Leeds,'' he said.

Although were not doing particularly well in the Premiership, the whole environment of the club and moving back up north have given me a good kick up the backside and I think Ive benefited from it.''

Balshaw, who recently became a father for the first time, believes a more relaxed approach to his game has also been a factor in his improved recent performances.

Ive started to relax and enjoy it again and not worry about the little things,'' he said. ''I've realised there are more important things in life to worry about than playing rugby.''

England coach Andy Robinson was clearly satisfied with the contribution of both Balshaw and Cueto.

''It was nice to see Balsh back in an England shirt, Robinson said, And along with Josh Lewsey and Mark Cueto, I thought the back three were outstanding.''