England manager Martin Johnson described his selection decision for Saturday's Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland as the toughest of his 18-month tenure.
The 'marathon' deliberations following England's 20-16 defeat to Ireland resulted in two key decisions - to retain Delon Armitage at fullback ahead of Ben Foden and replace flanker Lewis Moody with Joe Worsley.
"It was probably the longest selection process since I have been involved and the toughest but that's good. There is pressure on players to perform," said Johnson.
Armitage knows that more than most. The London Irish fullback has been struggling for form all tournament and did not expect to be selected, even after proving he had recovered from a rib injury.
Foden replaced him off the bench against Ireland and made an immediate impact, enhancing his already powerful claims to be awarded a first Test start.
Johnson left the final decision until Thursday morning but eventually decided to stick by Armitage for England's trip to Murrayfield and use Foden as an impact player off the bench.
But Armitage knows his form must improve against Scotland or the fullback decision for England's final Six Nations game against France will be much easier for Johnson to make.
Armitage said: "It was a massive relief to be named in the team. I kind of expected not to be in it.
"I haven't had the best Six Nations and after going off injured Ben came on and did a good job off the bench.
"For me to get another shot to try and get back to the form I showed last year is a good opportunity.
"But obviously I need to start showing something. Foden is right there behind, he's been playing really well for his club, and the management and coaching set-up know he's ready.
"I could almost say I'm on my last wheels, this is my last chance.
"I need to start showing some improvement because I think I just haven't been playing well enough.
"I probably have been too impatient but I need to get into form as soon as possible because I don't want give that 15 shirt up. I know Ben is right there.
"If I don't show some improvement I think I'll lose the shirt very soon. But I know there is a performance in me.
"I'm not going to be negative. I'm a confident player and I have a job to do for the boys. I want to do it to the best of my ability and I will do everything I can."
Armitage had only just recovered from shoulder surgery by the start of the Six Nations and England's attack coach Brian Smith acknowledged he is not at his best.
"We are happy with what he is doing but there is more to come from Delo," said Smith. The gauntlet has been laid down.
Johnson, who spent his whole playing career at Leicester, laughed off the tongue-in-cheek suggestion that Moody was dropped as punishment because he is leaving Welford Road for Bath next season.
With his serious face on, Johnson insisted Moody had not been dropped at all - rather that Worsley had been preferred at openside for a physical showdown with the Scottish back row.
Worsley is widely considered to be the best defender in the England set-up, he is a powerful ball-carrier and Johnson believes the Wasps veteran is the perfect fit to tackle the Scots.
"We had this conversation