Flood warning as Cipriani loses place
The Leicester fly-half has been given his chance against New Zealand following three below-par displays by Cipriani in the autumn internationals.
Even though he will be matched against Dan Carter, arguably the world’s best rugby player, Flood is relishing the opportunity in what will be his 22nd cap but only his fourth Test start in the play-making role.
He said: “I hope to make a mark. I’ve been waiting with bated breath to get a chance. It’s difficult when you’re waiting for an opportunity but I was happy the way I was playing at Leicester. You can only work as hard as you can. All you can do is give your very best.”
Flood is under no illusions about the pressure he will be under, having seen Cipriani struggle to cope against Australia and last week in the 42-6 defeat against South Africa.
New Zealand have recalled Conrad Smith for Saturday’s tour finale at Twickenham.
ENGLAND (v New Zealand, Twickenham)
D Armitage (London Irish); P Sackey (Wasps), J Noon (Newcastle), R Flutey (Wasps), U Monye (Harlequins); T Flood (Leicester), D Care (Harlequins); T Payne (Wasps), L Mears (Bath), P Vickery (Wasps), S Borthwick (Saracens, capt), N Kennedy (London Irish), J Haskell (Wasps), M Lipman (Bath), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: D Hartley (Northampton), M Stevens (Bath), T Croft (Leicester), T Rees (Wasps), H Ellis (Leicester), D Cipriani (Wasps), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina (Waikato); J Rokocoko (Auckland), C Smith (Wellington), M Nonu (Wellington), S Sivivatu (Waikato); D Carter (Canterbury), J Cowan (Southland); T Woodcock (North Harbour), K Mealamu (Auckland), N Tialata (Wellington), B Thorn (Tasman), A Williams (Tasman), J Kaino (Auckland), R McCaw (Canterbury, capt), R So’oialo (Wellington).
Replacements: H Elliott (Hawke’s Bay), J Afoa (Auckland), A Boric (North Harbour), K Read (Canterbury), P Weepu (Wellington), S Donald (Waikato), I Toeava (Auckland).
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