England tour of South Africa
Care pleased with culture change
ESPN Staff
June 12, 2012
Danny Care prepares for his England return, England training session, St. David's School, Sandton, South Africa, June 11, 2012
Danny Care is keen to impress for England © Getty Images
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Danny Care is determined to make the most of his international recall, but recognises it feels "weird" to be a newcomer in the England squad for a second time.

Care was dropped by Stuart Lancaster for this year's Six Nations after finding himself embroiled in numerous off-field controversies. The Harlequins scrum-half has now returned to a new-look and disciplined England side for the tour of South Africa.

"It has felt a bit weird being the new boy again," said Care. "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 clear Care must still earn a recall. But Care will get the opportunity to push his case when he features in the next tour match against the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley.

"Obviously I have a point to prove," Care said. "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, that is why we are all here, to play in the Tests. Hopefully I can play well and really push my case."

Care found it tough watching the Six Nations as a side he could have been involved with finished an unexpected second in the championship. He now wants to repay the faith of Lancaster.

"It was horrible and it was my own doing, which was a hard thing to take. The chat coming out of the camp was that it was so positive and it sounded like a good place to be. I definitely learnt my lesson the hard way.

"All I got told by Stuart was to get my head on my club rugby, play well and I would get another shot. He has been true to his word and I thank him for that.

"It is back to normal with me and him, we get on well. I have known him since I was 15 - I was scared of him then and I am still scared of him now! It is great to be working with him again," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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