Care will miss the series opener at Eden Park after picking up a shoulder injury in a comical fall that happened as he attempted a grubber kick during Monday's practice session.
The Harlequins No 9 had initially been named in the starting XV for the Eden Park clash, however he has failed to recover in time.
That means Ben Youngs will be promoted from the bench to start, with Lee Dickson, who has only recently arrived in New Zealand after helping Northampton to the Aviva Premiership title, providing cover.
"It was Danny's own fault actually. It was a rubbish kick," England assistant coach Andy Farrell said.
Hilarious
"He stubbed his foot on the floor and missed the ball completely. He fell over and hurt his shoulder.
"It was absolutely hilarious. I burst out laughing but then realised it wasn't too funny.
"It was a little grubber through on the floor, which he miskicked. He won't be doing it again!
"I've got it on tape. I showed it to all the lads the next day - it was hilarious.
"But it wasn't quite as good two days later when he wasn't playing in the Test match. Anyway, we'll get over it."
Lancaster downplays concerns
Although Care remains in contention for the second Test in Dunedin, it is the latest selection headache for Stuart Lancaster.
Having already seen his Northampton and Saracens contingent ruled out due to the scheduling clash with the Premiership final, Lancaster saw Billy Twelveltrees ruled out earlier in the week.
That means England will go in to the first Test against the world champions with a weakened squad.
No comments:
Post a Comment