New Zealand v England: Danny Care ruled out following 'hilarious' fall
The scrum-half will play no part in the first Test
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Your support makes all the difference.England's amusement at a farcical training ground incident involving Danny Care faded when the full extent of the scrum-half's injury became apparent.
Care jarred his shoulder in a comical fall that happened as he attempted a grubber kick during Monday's practice session in preparation for first Test against New Zealand.
Smiles were replaced by frowns, however, when it was learnt the damage sustained to the joint would rule him out of Saturday's series opener at Eden Park.
Ben Youngs will start in his place, with a jet-lagged Lee Dickson supplying cover from the bench despite having arrived in New Zealand only on Wednesday.
"It was Danny's own fault actually. It was a rubbish kick," England assistant coach Andy Farrell said.
"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."
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.
The development is yet another blow to the tourists, who have been sorely depleted by injury and enter the series opener without the bulk of their Aviva Premiership finalists due to fixture congestion.
Care has been one of the team's star performers this season, acting as the catalyst for England's improved attacking game, and Farrell accepts his loss will be felt acutely.
"Danny's been in great form, not just throughout the Six Nations when he was outstanding, but he finished the season really well at Harlequins," Farrell said.
"In general he was in very confident mood coming over here and was looking forward to the tour.
"It was something and nothing really how it happened. That's the game.
"Lee has slotted in pretty well. His jet lag has been a very smooth transition. He seems fine and is very chirpy."
PA
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