Harlequins v London Irish
Kick-off: Sat May 9, 5.30pm. Twickenham Stoop, London
TV: Sky Sports 3, Sky Sports HD3

Why give a man bad karma on the eve of a Guinness Premiership semi-final and with the trip of a lifetime in prospect?

Monye is still pinching himself at the prospect of boarding the plane to South Africa in a fortnight's time. He has no intention of reining back to avoid injury. He is fully primed for Saturday's intriguing play-off clash at the Stoop with London Irish, the only side to beat Harlequins at home in the league this season, believing that there could be no better boost for his own prospects in South Africa than to go there with some silverware tucked away in the trophy cabinet.

"People asked me if I dreamt of getting selected for the Lions," said Monye. "I'm not sure that dreams can take you that far. It's nuts, it's crazy. I'd got a holiday sorted to America but that can get cancelled. Without doubt, it's been my most fulfilling season. The best thing now would be to go away with some success behind me. I don't want to be wrapped in cotton wool. You want to keep your form sharp, and be playing in big games. It's good for your confidence."

Monye has made the most of his opportunity this season. He was a late call to the England colours following injury to James Simpson-Daniel and played through the autumn series of games after making his debut against the Pacific Islands. Monye did well enough without really scorching the turf. But it was when he fought his way back into the side at the expense of Paul Sackey for England's final two Six Nations games that he made a real mark: assured, sharp, mature, hard-working and reliable. His claw-back tackle on Scotland wing Thom Evans was show-stopping. He followed those displays with an all-consuming performance against Leinster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. Tellingly it was in front of Lions head coach Ian McGeechan. Monye ticked the Lions' boxes. He had got the trip.

"If there's one thing that's improved this season it's my defence," said Monye. "A lot of wings have got the ability to run fast, beat players and all that. I'm not sure every wing has got a solid defence. So, I've worked hard on that aspect. It's about positioning and awareness."

Monye, 26, will need to be on his mettle against London Irish, and the opposition defence likewise. Two of the most enterprising sides in the Premiership find themselves up against each other. It should be sparky, edgy and vibrant.

Quins have made the recent running, their 6-5 defeat by Leinster notwithstanding. Two of their players, centre Jordan Turner-Hall and back-forward Chris Robshaw, were honoured at the Guinness Premiership Awards ceremony.

"Jordan's had his troubles and wasn't even in the team at the start of the season," said Monye. "But I know from my own experience, that the best things are those that you've had to work hard for. I was touted for this and that as a 19-year-old but it didn't happen. You've got to graft and have faith. Jordan's turned himself into a real good player. And Robbo [Robshaw] is at the forefront of everything we've done. He made 32 tackles against Bath the other week. That's a phenomenal work-rate."

The key aspect for Quins is the return from injury of former All Black fly-half Nick Evans. "He's the best I've either played with or against," said Monye. "He's brought so much to my game, made me see possibilities everywhere. London Irish play with pace and tempo and attitude as well, so the margins are likely to be fine. Saturday will be about big players making big plays. "

It has been quite a season's journey for Monye, a committed Christian who leads midweek prayers at his church in London. But do not mistake his affability for charitability. It is not enough merely to compete. "I'm not happy just to be in a semi-final for the first time," said Monye. "Now we're here, we've got to do something with it. It would be a waste of all our times, if we didn't."

Spoken like a Lion in waiting.