Freddie Burns says England's performance against New Zealand in the first Test underlined the strength in depth of Stuart Lancaster's squad as the Rugby World Cup approaches.
England were without the players from the Aviva Premiership finalists for the opening match of the three-Test series against the All Blacks.
They came close to inflicting a first defeat on New Zealand at Eden park since 1994 but were eventually beaten 20-15 as Conrad Smith’s late try settled the game.
Burns, who moves to Welford Road after England’s tour, started at fly-half and enjoyed a 100 per cent record from the tee with four penalties from four attempts.
And with the Aviva Premiership finalists available to head coach Lancaster for the second Test in Dunedin, Burns welcome the competition for places in the squad.
“We showed that 15 months out from a World Cup we have got great strength in depth in the squad,” he said.
“If we are giving the coaches tough decisions to make then that’s a healthy place for England to be.
“We created opportunities but unfortunately we couldn’t quite take them. There’s a lot to be positive about,” he said.
England were without the players from the Aviva Premiership finalists for the opening match of the three-Test series against the All Blacks.
They came close to inflicting a first defeat on New Zealand at Eden park since 1994 but were eventually beaten 20-15 as Conrad Smith’s late try settled the game.
Burns, who moves to Welford Road after England’s tour, started at fly-half and enjoyed a 100 per cent record from the tee with four penalties from four attempts.
And with the Aviva Premiership finalists available to head coach Lancaster for the second Test in Dunedin, Burns welcome the competition for places in the squad.
“We showed that 15 months out from a World Cup we have got great strength in depth in the squad,” he said.
“If we are giving the coaches tough decisions to make then that’s a healthy place for England to be.
“We created opportunities but unfortunately we couldn’t quite take them. There’s a lot to be positive about,” he said.
