Jonny Wilkinson admits the hard work starts now - or otherwise everything he has been through will be "worthless".
The fly-half made a dream return to action with England yesterday with a record Calcutta Cup points haul and help get the new era under coach Brian Ashton off to a flying start at Twickenham.
Wilkinson rolled back the years with a try and seven goals as England won 42-20 against disappointing Scotland in the RBS Six Nations.
The 27-year-old had missed England's last 30 Test matches through a combination of injuries and illness.
The Newcastle Falcons man is now hoping the national team can build on the efforts against Scotland as focus turns to the clash with Italy on February 10.
'To be back and to be involved after some of the feelings I have had over my injury period does feel like a bit of dream really,' Wilkinson told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
'I give myself a day to enjoy it, and then it is back to business on Monday. We have got a big game at the weekend and it is important now we are setting the bar and getting better each week, coming through as a better side - otherwise going through all this is worthless.'
Wilkinson added: 'For us as a team, it is merely one game. We feel we are judged on our next game, not our last one and have a big week ahead of us.'
The England fly-half scored a controversial try during the second half, when his right leg appeared to have made contact with the ground in touch.
The video official ruled in his favour, and Wilkinson then slotted the touchline conversion for good measure.
'I had a quick look and thought it was going to be close,' he said.
'I thought my leg was close to the touchline going down just on or before my hand did.
'Someone has a chance to watch it very closely, and can get the decision right, but it is not something I really reflect on.'
Wilkinson was recalled after playing just 45 minutes of rugby in the last 12 weeks. He admits there is always some trepidation in the changing room before hand.
Wilkinson said: 'Whether it is my 20th game in a row, or my first after three-and-a-half years, it is just something you care about so much.
'You want it to go well, you want to win and the team to do well, to fulfil your role. Because you have prepared so hard, it does mean a lot, so the nerves come from that.
'Without being there for a long time, you do feel it maybe a bit more than usual. But I guess playing for me has always been a nervous experience. It is something I have learnt to accept now, but it does not make it any easier.'
