Saints scrum-half Dickson called up to England bench for opening All Blacks Test

Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson has been called up to the replacements’ bench for England’s first Test against New Zealand on Saturday.
FIRST TEST CALL - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson has been named on the bench for England's first Test against New Zealand on SaturdayFIRST TEST CALL - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson has been named on the bench for England's first Test against New Zealand on Saturday
FIRST TEST CALL - Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson has been named on the bench for England's first Test against New Zealand on Saturday

None of the Saints or Saracens contingent involved in last weekend’s Aviva Premiership Final were supposed to be included in the squad for the clash at Eden Park, but after a training ground injury to Danny Care, Dickson has been rushed into action quicker than he anticipated.

Ben Youngs has been promoted from the bench to a starting role, with Dickson now a substitute.

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Having only arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday, there is a concern Dickson could still be a little weary from the trip, but England coach Andy Farrell has no worries on that score.

“Lee has slotted in pretty wel,” said Farrell.

“His jet lag has been a very smooth transition. He seems fine and is very chirpy.”

Farrell went on to explain how Care sustained his shoulder injury, and admitted that at first he laughed at the incident.

“It was Danny’s own fault actually. It was a rubbish kick,” said Farrell.

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“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.

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“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.”

Care will resume training on Monday or Tuesday when he regains full strength in his shoulder, and is expected to be restored at scrum-half for the second Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin.

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