Steve White-Cooper was literally dreaming of the chance to win a first England cap when manager Clive Woodward telephoned to tell him he'd got one.

The Harlequins forward was in his room asleep and unaware of the story raging beneath him as Martin Corry was first put on stand-by, then called away to Lions duty.

After impressing against British Columbia in midweek, White-Cooper was the natural replacement and steps up from the bench to make his debut in the number six jersey in the second Test against Canada at Burnaby.

It took a while for the news to sink in, but the 25-year-old is now ready for action. "I was lying in bed wondering if I would get a chance to come on when Clive rang - I never imagined I would be starting," said White-Cooper, who watched last week's 22-10 first Test triumph from the stands. "It's incredible the way things can work out. Last week I couldn't have imagined I would be in this position."

Although he has excelled for his club over the past two seasons, White-Cooper is still probably most famous for being the brother of Gianluca Vialli's girlfriend Cathy. The Italian caused a stir at the Stoop when he turned up to watch White-Cooper in action shortly after his dismissal from Chelsea last season and there will be even more celebrating tonight as the news from Canada comes on Cathy - and twin sister Libby's - birthday.

"They won't have time to come out but I'm sure they will be cheering me on at home," said White-Cooper, who prefers the back-row position despite spending much of the season partnering Garrick Morgan at lock for Quins. It was that versatility which earned him a call to the bench in the first place, although Steve Borthwick - originally dropped completely - now finds a place among the replacements.

Cape Town-born White-Cooper has been with Quins since he was 18 and earned man of the match plaudits in the London club's European Shield victory over Narbonne last month. He will partner Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley in a youthful back-row which was first united for England A against Wales earlier this season.

He could be part of history as England go chasing a record-equalling 10th successive Test win. Simon Shaw is recalled in the second-row, while Mark Regan and Martyn Wood are both deemed fit enough to make the replacements' bench after recent injury scares. Though he admits he would rather be facing the All Blacks than the 11th-ranked Canadians, White-Cooper knows that encounters such as today's can only have a beneficial effect on his squad.

"Four years ago in Argentina we won the first Test, then lost the second," he said. "I expect Canada to be far tougher opposition tonight. Ryan Banks is back for them, so their pack is stronger, which will make it even more of a physical battle than last week."

The Test men were all given a day off yesterday - most taking advantage of a break in the dull weather to enjoy a spot of salmon fishing. Fly-half Dave Walder and centre Jamie Noon were among those on the boating expedition, Woodward hoping the rest will keep them fresh for what he expects will be another demanding afternoon. "Maybe we tried to do too much in training last week," he said. "At the end of the game we had some very tired players, so we have given them a bit more time off this week. With a few new caps in the side, there were a lot of nerves but I was pretty pleased with the performance. We have the momentum and I am sure we can improve, especially in our
execution. Dave and Jamie were the key figures in attack last week and they were both making their debuts. Now they have got their first cap out of the way, I would expect to see more composure."

Banks' return from suspension sees skipper Al Charron switch to second-row for the home side at Swangard Stadium, scene of Canada's only victory over England - a 15-12 win back in 1993.