With World Cup winner Matt Dawson and Gloucesters Andy Gomarsall, another World Cup squad member, waiting in the wings, the British & Irish Lions prospect admits that can be no let up in his performances if he is also to secure a place on the summer tour to New Zealand.

Matts a highly-experienced excellent player and when hes come on he has played exceptionally well. Its not just him and Gomarsall. With the quality in the Premiership theres always pressure. You cant rest on your laurels, said Ellis.

Ellis is grateful that Sir Clive Woodwards successor has maintained faith in the new wave of up-and-coming stars, including himself, Jamie Noon, Mark Cueto, Olly Barkley and Charlie Hodgson.

It has been a loyalty rewarded with convincing victories over Italy and Scotland.

Its nice theyve been sticking by us to get the results, said the 22-year-old.

It will take time but we havent been playing that bad, even though weve lost a few games.

Wed only conceded three tries going into the Scotland game and that shows wed been playing pretty well although we had some narrow defeats.

Ellis was reflecting on Englands 43-22 win over the Scots at Twickenham, a match in which he scored his first try for his country, providing the extra man wide on the left as he dived over.

His description of the try was as succinct as his no-nonsense finish.

I just got on the end of it. Ollie Smith made a really good offload and I was lucky enough to be there and ran it in, he said.

Equally matter-of-fact was his summary of Englands seven-try display.

Performed quite well, scored some good tries, obviously we let in a couple we were disappointed about but its the win we needed, Ellis added.

The precarious nature of international rugby was brought home just three minutes after Ellis scored his try.

His telegraphed pass was gratefully intercepted by Scotland number eight Simon Taylor, costing England five points.

I was a bit annoyed about that but these things happen. We won so youve just got to take the victory, he said.

We were looking to perform really well and finish with a bang because its the last time were going to be together for a number of months.

While some of the RBS 6 Nations side will land the big prize on the Lions trip to New Zealand, the rest will probably be heading to the Churchill Cup in Canada with England.

Ellis will be happy with either trip.

I havent really had time to think about that, Ive just been concentrating on my rugby here, he said.

If Im selected for either of them Ill just be delighted to go.