Armitage dazzled the Twickenham faithful just like former England star Jason Robinson © Getty Images

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Teams: England

England full-back Delon Armitage today revealed a text message from Jason Robinson inspired his stunning debut against the Pacific Islanders.

Armitage was named man of the match for his star turn in Saturday's 39-13 victory at Twickenham - capping an amazing change in fortunes for the 24-year-old. Initially left out of the second-string England Saxons squad unveiled by Martin Johnson in July, he was fast-tracked straight into the elite player squad late last month to cover for injury.

And far from being overawed by his first Test, the London Irish star lit up Twickenham with some cavalier running which repeatedly shredded the Islanders' defence. Johnson declared he had not seen a better debut and Armitage thanked Robinson, the England World Cup winner and one his predecessors at 15, for flooding him with self-belief.

"Jason Robinson texted me before the match and that was a big lift. To have someone like him get in touch was great," he said. "He was being really nice to me - he said go out there and enjoy it, saying I deserve my place in the team and it's where I should be. A great player like that telling you that sort of thing gives you confidence. Filling a shirt that he's worn just makes you more nervous.

"It was my first text from Jason as he was my enemy at Sale in the Premiership. To get a text from him was brilliant and a big boost. Jason was a great player."

Armitage, born in Trinidad, played for France Under-16s but was told he was too small and skinny to progress further. France's loss was England's gain, although according to attack coach Brian Smith it has not been an easy path to the top for the dashing Exiles rookie. Smith worked with Armitage before he left London Irish for Twickenham and explained he was a deserving recipient of the adulation he received at Twickenham.

"Delon wasn't in the original 64-strong Saxons and EPS squads for a reason - because he was injured for half of last season," said Smith. "I recall the selection meeting where we said this was probably the best thing for Delon because he will have to fight his way back in. Sometimes in sport you have to keep pounding away at the door when no one is listening and he has had that experience.

"He has received his reward for pounding away at the highest level. I'm delighted for him."

Remarkably, Armitage is England's ninth full-back in 18 months and the fourth different player in four successive Tests to fill the troublesome position. Having been given a tantalising taste of international rugby, he is desperate to ensure he is the long-term solution at 15.

"I had a lot of butterflies before the game but once the ball was kicked off it was straight into another game of rugby," he said. "Now I want to make the 15 jersey my own. I'll keep putting the work in and hopefully Johnno will stick with me."