It only lasted six minutes, but Sam Simmonds’ return to the England side last Saturday was a moment to celebrate.
As the Exeter No 8 was the last to leave Eddie Jones’ bench against Australia, he received a rapturous reception at Twickenham.
Having spent three years in Devon winning trophies, breaking records but watching England play without him he might have thought seven caps would be his lot — especially when Jones dropped him for the Tonga game earlier this autumn.
Sam Simmonds’ return to the England side last Saturday was a moment to celebrate
But back briefly against the Wallabies he took his chance; pouncing on a loose ball in the final play to race down the left wing and release Jamie Blamire for England’s second try. One touch, one assist — Simmonds finally put his non-selection saga to bed and exploded into life with England.
‘When I came back from the Lions it just made me realise that the whole England thing is what I want — to be back involved,’ Simmonds tells Sportsmail.
‘I’ve always wanted it, but it clicked in my mind that this environment is tough but that is where you get all the rewards.
A lot has changed for Simmonds when it comes to England, and he's here to stay
‘That’s where I want to be, playing with and against the best players in the world. It made me realise that I can get selected. I have been picked for the Lions, so why can’t I for England? It made me want it a little bit more.’
It has been so long since he was last involved, Simmonds has seen this autumn as starting again with his country.
‘I saw a lot when they announced the squad of, “these are the new players” and I was looking for my name as I feel I’m a new boy myself,’ the 27-year-old adds.
‘I want to have a fresh start. When I was last involved I was 23, and I still felt very young. I hadn’t played much first-team rugby.
‘My career was a bit different to some who play now who got game-time for their club and are selected at 19 or 20.
‘I was a later developer. I loved my time going on loan to Plymouth, Brixham and Cornish Pirates but that took up a lot of my early development.
‘I made my Premiership debut at 22, the season we won the title in 2016-17. I was not mature as a player. I loved being selected for England back then but didn’t love being there or take it in my stride. Now I want to play, to be starting or on the bench, push myself. I know what I need to do.’
While clamour grew for Simmonds’
