Care determined to prove a point to coach Lancaster

The controversial Harlequins scrum-half was dropped for this year’s Six Nations by new head coach Stuart Lancaster after a series of off-field incidents.

In his absence, Lancaster rebuilt the national side after the disaster of last year’s World Cup and Care has found the mood on his return markedly different.

With 32 caps, Care is one of the more experienced members of the squad in South Africa for this month’s three-Test series but he almost feels like a rookie.

The 25-year-old, who played under Lancaster at Headingley, said: “It has felt a bit weird being the new boy again. But it is great to come into the squad, it is a young and exciting squad.

“I think the culture has changed quite a lot, I have noticed a big difference.

“You can really see what it means to be picked for England and what a massive honour it is. No one is going to take that for granted.”

With Ben Youngs having started Saturday’s opening Test loss to the Springboks in Durban and Lee Dickson on the bench, Lancaster has made it clear Care must still earn a recall.

But Care will get the opportunity to underline his credentials when he features in today’s tour match against the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley.

Care said: “Obviously I have a point to prove. I have proved my point with my form in the Premiership for Quins, I have proved the type of player I can play as. Obviously I have got a chance on Wednesday and would love to get a shot in the main squad.”

Lancaster believes his side’s midweek outing provides the perfect opportunity to ignite their summer tour ahead of the second Test in Johannesburg.

He said: “I think the pros of doing it outweigh the cons. I think on balance we still prefer to have the midweek games because it allows us to look at a wider group of players and coach them and work with them, on this particular type of tour.

“The challenge is to make sure we, as coaches, get the balance right and our attention is directed in the right place at the right time.”

Lancaster has decisions to make for Saturday’s second Test after full-back Mike Brown and centre Brad Barritt were ruled out through injury.

There are numerous permutations as to how the back line could be reshaped and observers will look for clues in how long certain players feature against the Southern Barbarians.

Ben Foden would seem most likely to move off the wing back to his preferred full-back position in the Test side but Alex Goode could stake his claim for the No 15 shirt with a good showing today.

Likewise winger David Strettle, injured for the first Test, will hope to prove his fitness.

The decision not to include Jonathan Joseph has sparked speculation he could take Barritt’s place on Saturday.