Danny Care has opened up for the first time on being hooked by head coach Eddie Jones during the first half of England’s third Test win over the Wallabies this summer.
Appearing to accept Jones’ decision on the day, Care added he did not read anything on Twitter in the days afterwards.
“In a way, I prefer he did it to me rather than say if he decided to do it to Marcus [Smith] as a young lad making his way,” said Care, who was appearing on the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
“I’d like to think that I could handle it a little bit better than one of the young lads, because I’m old enough, I’ve been chopped a lot of times, I can take it and can probably see the bigger picture a little bit more.
“Whereas if it happened to a younger lad earlier in his career, it could probably have a fairly detrimental effect on them over the next couple of years.”
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Danny Care picks his five toughest opponents
England and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has named ‘five of the best’ players he’s faced or played alongside in an interview with Rugby World.
It’s fair to say, it’s a sensational selection from the playmaker.
5. Nick Evans
CARE SAID: “He was incredibly skilful and can read the game so well but whatever position you put him in, he remains calm and almost always picks the right option.
“He’s a very intelligent player and in my opinion, is one of the best overseas players the Premiership has ever seen. One play sums him up. Against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup we had to win we trucked up the middle for about 30 phases to drop goal.
“After I threw him a terrible pass, he stepped three or four players, then it was recycled and he made another break but held off. On the third occasion he knocked over a truly horrible drop-kick and that’s why they paid him the big bucks.”