MATT Mullan was rewarded for a stellar season in the front row with his second cap three years after his first in England’s titanic defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

The Wasps prop actually believes he’s playing better now than when he made his England debut in 2010, but he’s not one for hyperbole.

He said: “It was a really nice surprise. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I got the phone call last Sunday. They gave me a good impression that I had a strong chance of playing, but then on the Tuesday morning I got half an inkling I wasn’t going to be involved.

“Then Alex Corbisiero didn’t pass his fitness test and they said without any hesitation that I was on the bench.

“It was a shame I didn’t get too long, but it was nice to get on the pitch and be part of it.

“I wouldn’t have been there unless there were injuries, I know that. But it is nice to think that some of your hard work has been noticed.

“To get the call into the squad originally shows they’ve got some faith in you. Then they could have quite easily not put me on the bench and they did and then they put me on the pitch.

“It’s nice to know they’ve got faith in you. I only had one scrum and few rucks and the game was gone by then, but it was nice to get on the pitch and savour the Twickenham atmosphere.”

Mullan is selling himself short.

He has been immense for Wasps this season and director of rugby Dai Young, a Lions prop in his time, has been backing Mullan’s international recall for weeks.

The player said: “I think in many ways I’m playing a bit better. I had a bit of stop start period in those three years with injuries, but I’ve used the change of club to try and freshen me up as a character and a rugby player. I think I’m starting to do that.

“We’ve got eight games worth of rugby with our clubs [before the Six Nations]. I’m not sure how long Mako and Alex will be out injured, but it’s just up to me to try to press a claim.

“The chances are they’ll go back to them first port of call if they are fit, but I can’t do anything other than play well and that’s what I’ve tried to do all season.”