the England-Australia autumn International at Twickenham to give Dan Luger a last minute winning try. In the following 2001 Six Nations he finally made the starting line-up for England at full back and stunned the Welsh in the opening game at the Millennium Stadium; England winning 44–15. He toured Australia with the British & Irish Lions in June 2001, winning three test caps as a replacement. The 2002/2003 season saw him as a member of the England squad for the tour of New Zealand and Australia, before joining the party for Churchill Cup matches in North America. He scored two tries in a 'non-cap' international against Japan in Tokyo in June 2002, having recovered from shoulder surgery that restricted him to nine games in the previous eleven months for Bath. Problems with injury meant that his subsequent international appearances were few, despite criticism Clive Woodward retained faith in his ability and selected him in the 2003 World Cup squad. Balshaw played in the warm-up match against France in Marseille and impressed in England's World Cup game against Samoa, when he caught a diagonal kick from Jonny Wilkinson to score a crucial try in the 70th minute. He was one of 19 England players who played during the final win over Australia in Sydney, coming on as a replacement in extra time. In the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand he was selected ahead of Kevin Morgan and Mark Cueto, but later ruled out with a torn thigh muscle. Balshaw was selected for England in both Tests in Australia in June 2006. He was also chosen in the first two Autumn Internationals in 2006. He played against New Zealand and then against Argentina where he scored an individual try. He was England's first choice Fullback during the 2008 Six Nations Championship but received a lot of criticism from rugby pundits including George Hook. When Martin Johnson announced his first England squads in July 2008 following his appointment as manager, Balshaw was omitted from both the Elite and Saxon selections. Personal life Balshaw is married to Kate and they have three children. Balshaw was involved with www.rugbypigs.com, a rugby fanzine website. Honours Powergen Cup/Anglo-Welsh Cup titles: 1 2005 Amlin Trophy Championship Winner 2012 Rugby World Cup Winner 2003 References External links Profile Gloucester Rugby Profile Leeds Carnegie England Rugby Sporting Heroes Leeds Tykes 1979 births Living people Barbarian F.C. players Bath Rugby