Lancaster hails 'enthusiastic' Haskell

Head coach Stuart Lancaster claims James Haskell has been "brilliant" since his return to the England fold.

The London Wasps-bound flanker is poised to win his first cap since last year's World Cup after being named in the side by Lancaster to face South Africa in Saturday's third Test. Given Lancaster's desire to freshen the squad after a disappointing World Cup campaign, it was felt Haskell may have been too closely associated with the old regime.

But Lancaster insists that was not the case and feels the 27-year-old has fitted in well since being called into the squad for the summer tour. Lancaster said: "People had told me and given me the indication that he was an extrovert, but for me he has been brilliant. He has brought a lot of energy to the side and he has certainly brought a lot of experience."

He added: "He is just enthusiastic and wants to do well, he wants to improve. He is always working at the end of training on his skills.

"We have got on well and it has been good.

"We are looking for him to bring his physicality to our back row as a defender and a ball-carrier."

Another notable switch sees Danny Care restored at scrum-half in place of the injured Ben Youngs. Care has not played since last August after missing the World Cup through injury and being dropped for the Six Nations due to non-rugby matters.

Lancaster feels it is now the right time to bring the 25-year-old back and hopes the team can play to his strengths.

He said: "One of Danny Care's strengths is playing a quick-tempo game.

"It is making sure we recognise when to play it and play it in the right areas of the field. We have to supplement that with our driving game and get the balance right."