England call on Leicester's Dan Hipkiss to stand in for injured Cipriani

Back in the fold: Dan Hipkiss is England's replacement for Danny Cipriani

Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley and Toby Flood, who were named in the 32-mansquad last week, are all candidates for that role in the first Test against NewZealand on June 14.Hipkiss, though, has leapt into contention despite originally failing to makeeither the senior group or the England Saxons squad for their Barclays ChurchillCup campaign in the USA and Canada.

Johnson could have promoted the likes of Gloucester fly-half Ryan Lamb, hisclub colleague Anthony Allen or Wasps' Dominic Waldouck from Saxons duty, but hehas opted for Hipkiss.The 25-year-old has won six caps, including four substitute appearances duringEngland's 2007 World Cup campaign.He was used off the bench in vital pool stage victories over Samoa and Tonga,then replaced Josh Lewsey during the semi-final win against host nation Francebefore going on for Jason Robinson in the final, when England lost 15-6 to SouthAfrica.

End of the dream: Danny Cipriani is carried off against Bath on Sunday

Johnson said: "Rob Andrew (England New Zealand tour manager), the coaches andI discussed suitable candidates for the tour yesterday."We all agreed there was good cover at fly-half with Charlie Hodgson, OllyBarkley and Toby Flood, and so we decided to go with Dan."He gives us further options at centre and he has been playing well forLeicester Tigers in recent weeks. He deserves his chance."Ipswich-born Hipkiss made his Test debut in England's 62-5 World Cup warm-upwin against Wales last August, forming a midfield partnership alongside AndyFarrell.Hipkiss said: "I obviously cannot help but feel for Danny and the injury hehas suffered, and my thoughts are with him."However, this gives me a chance to tour New Zealand and it will be a verytough and challenging environment."The Rugby World Cup last year will hold me in good stead and it is anopportunity I am looking forward to."Before heading to New Zealand, Hipkiss faces a Premiership final showdown withWasps at Twickenham when the Tigers aim to defend their title.Cipriani, meanwhile, is expected to be released from hospital tomorrowfollowing an operation on Sunday night to repair ankle damage.He is battling to play again this year and is also set to miss England'sNovember Tests against the Pacific Islanders, South Africa, Australia and NewZealand.