Mike Catt had cause to smile after being named in England's starting XV to face France in the second Rugby World Cup semi final at Telstra Stadium on Sunday.
The centre, who came off the bench in the tense 28-17 quarter final win over Wales last weekend, was rewarded for helping to turn the match in England's favour in a bold selection by coach Clive Woodward.
"Catty made quite a difference," Woodward acknowledged after the match. "He played very well and I think we made the right call at half time."
Catt replaced wing Dan Luger against Wales, with Will Greenwood moving to outside centre and Mike Tindall taking over on the right wing and the effect was immediate.
The South African born centre, who plays fly half for his club side Bath, put together a confident kicking exhibition that sent Wales marching back to their quarter, giving the side much needed direction and taking the pressure off Jonny Wilkinson.
Helping out England's favourite son
Speaking to Rugby News Service, Catt felt he could be of some assistance to English rugby's favourite son.
"Jonny handles the pressure phenomenally. Hopefully I can take some pressure off so he can roam the field more and hopefully I can take a bit of heat off Jonny for his kicking game. He's played phenomenally, but I'll fit in quite nicely there," said Catt.
Catt also showed his ability to carry the ball in his match turning performance, his 50 metre run a clear sign that he had returned to form after an injury that threatened to take him from the top level of rugby all together.
"It's been a lot of hard work. It's been a pretty lonely road for the past two years with my injury but I've never lost sight of my ultimate goal of playing for England in the World Cup and I'm delighted that it's happened," Catt admitted.
Enjoying rugby again
"I knew that if I just kept quiet and put my head down, I knew I'd be capable of playing international rugby again. Clive [Woodward] believes in my ability and has for the past five years for which I am very grateful.
"A lot of people wrote me off six months ago, even two months ago and that's why I say rugby is so fickle. Rugby has been everything to me in my life, but now I have a completely different outlook. I'm enjoying it a lot more and I don't worry about it any more."
And, when pushed, the modest Catt does think he can bring something to a side favoured by many to win the Rugby World Cup.
"A bit of freshness I suppose. This team has performed well in the last two years but maybe there's a bit of staleness. Hopefully I can bring a bit of freshness and different perspective into the game."