England outhalf Owen Farrell has been ruled out of Saturday's final Test against New Zealand due to a knee injury.
Farrell strained the medial ligament on his left leg in the 28-27 defeat by the All Blacks in Dunedin and is to miss the climax to the series at Waikato Stadium. Farrell completed the game andf the injury was diagnosed after the secponf game.
"It's disappointing for Owen as he was desperate to play in the final Test," England head coach Stuart Lancaster said.
Farrell completed the series opener at the Forsyth Barr Stadium but Lancaster revealed the following day that the Saracens playmaker had picked up the injury.
Freddie Burns, who impressed in the first Test in Auckland, will replace the 22-year-old for England's final attempt at winning one of the Tests.
“Owen’s knee has been scanned and there is a strain there. Such is his character that he is already working on his rehab and still contributing to the tour,” Lancaster said.
“Fortunately we have three other fly-halves to call on and we’ll make that selection call over the next few days.
“The squad have trained well and we will narrow down selection over the next 24 hours following the game this evening.”
Centres Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees trained on Tuesday despite battling ankle injuries, but scrum-half Danny Care is still struggling with his shoulder problem.
