A moving text message from Harlequins team-mate David Strettle was the inspiration behind Ugo Monye's fine debut for England last Saturday.
Monye revealed Strettle, whose injury has kept him out of the autumn internationals, took the time to wish him good luck before his debut against the Pacific Islanders.
And Monye went on to impress as England won 39-13 against the assembled Tongans, Somoans and Fijians.
He said: "David Strettle sent me one of the most heartfelt messages on Friday, saying that you don't get an England cap unless you deserve it, and telling me to go out and do what I've been doing at Harlequins.
"He's a good friend of mine, and it was tremendously appreciated by me - as was every message of support.
"Everyone's got dreams, and this is certainly one of mine. I'm a very proud man, especially with an England jersey on my back, having won a game."
Monye was pleased with the way his debut went, and having got a taste of international action, Monye is keen for more, starting with the Aussies this weekend.
He retained his place in Martin Johnson's squad for the Twickenham clash, along with fellow-Quins Danny Care and Nick Easter.
He said: "I was pleased with the way I played. I felt comfortable out there and wasn't too nervous.
"Mentally, I was ready for it, and physically, I thought I was up to it.
"It was something I have prepared for mentally for the last eight years since I started at Quins.
"I'm pleased with the decision I made all those years ago to play rugby and stay with Quins.
"The Australians are a really good side with a lot of ball players, and it will be really physical - but it is a challenge I am looking forward to."
Monye predicts that there is a lot more to come from England's new-look, but relatively inexperienced, back three of himself, Delon Armitage and Paul Sackey.
He added: "We are very good friends off the pitch. I've known Delon and Paul for five or six years.
"We get on extremely well, under-stand each others' game and know what to expect from each other.
"We are all good rugby players, but know when to send the ball down to the other end too.
"But if the opportunity is there to play, you have to be ready to take it.
"That's what we've tried at Harlequins, and Delon is used to doing that at London Irish.
"The coaches have given us a license to play, but play smart, and I thought we did that extremely well." [25a0] TWO tries from Ade Mawson helped Harlequins Amatuers to victory at Old Abbotsians on Saturday.
Tom Newbrook also scored as Quins took the honours 18-15 in the Herts/Middx League One clash.
It followed their 10-8 win over Verulamians last week, in which Dave Salmon bagged a try and Rick Braithwaite kicked a penalty and a conversion.
