Owen Farrell injury: England fly-half ruled out of third New Zealand test with knee problem

Freddie Burns or Danny Cipriani will take the No 10 jersey

Owen Farrell is struggling to overcome a knee injury in time for Saturday’s third Test in Hamilton (Getty)

England fly-half Owen Farrell has been ruled out of Saturday's third rugby test against New Zealand with a knee injury.

Farrell played in the No 10 jersey in last weekend's second test which was won 28-27 by New Zealand, which leads the three-match series 2-0.

Freddie Burns played in England's 20-15 first test defeat while Farrell, among several frontline players, was unavailable after taking part in the English Premiership final.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said: "The knee has been scanned and there is a strain there.

"It's disappointing for Owen as he was desperate to play in the final test but such is his character that he is already working on his rehab and still contributing to the tour."

This week, New Zealand center Conrad Smith was ruled out of the match with a broken thumb.