Should David Strettle need help in coping with the pressures of international rugby at this early stage of his career, he could do worse than look to stand-in Wales fly-half James Hook, writes Jo Rooney.

The 21-year-old won only his 11th cap in Saturday's Six Nations clash with England at the Millennium Stadium but showed the assuredness of a veteran in a man-of-the-match display, unfazed by the fever-pitch atmosphere under the closed roof.

Not that Harlequins flyer Strettle is likely to need any guidance. He, too, has taken to the international scene like a duck to water and, after just three senior appearances for England, seems set for a long and distinguished career of wearing the red rose.

Brian Ashton called the Millennium a "fair old cauldron" for his inexperienced side after seeing them go down 27-18 but, despite a baptism of fire that has also included the hostile environs of Croke Park, 23-year-old Strettle is taking it all in his stride.

"I wouldn't say it was intimidating - it's just noise at the end of the day," he said.

"We rode out the storm and came back at the Welsh, but they did well to break clear again to win."

With Wales racing out of the blocks, Strettle was a spectator for most of the first half. But when play did come his way, he did his duty, making some big hits and doing his best to dance through a sea of red shirts.

He chimed in with a couple of typical jinking runs after the break as well, but had little opportunity to add to his try on debut against Ireland.

Having already had such a startling impact on the England set-up, Strettle now has the lure of a tour to South Africa and a meeting with France in the summer as Ashton's men continue their build-up for the defence of their World Cup crown.

And the laid-back winger knows just what he has to do to keep his name in the frame.

"There are five Premiership games left and it's a case of getting my head down and working hard with Quins," he said.

"That's what got me playing for England in the first place, so it's what I need to focus on again."