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Shaun Johnson eager to impress in Kiwis return against Great Britain

November 6, 2019

Dropped for last week's Eden Park Test, Johnson returns to the Kiwis in Christchurch.

Having missed out on last weekend's 12-8 victory over Great Britain, Kiwis half Shaun Johnson is ready to show his worth on his Test return on Saturday night in Christchurch.

Dropped from Michael Maguire's playing XIII altogether after the Kiwis' 26-4 loss to Australia in Wollongong, Johnson was replaced by Kieran Foran in last weekend's Eden Park encounter with Great Britain.

However, Foran's return to the Kiwis would go horribly wrong just minutes into the game, suffering a shoulder injury and now facing up to six months out of action.

While Johnson wasn't able to return at Eden Park, the 29-year-old will slot back in alongside Benji Marshall this weekend, insisting that he's learned the lessons needed from his axing.

"It's been good," Johnson told media.

"I got told yesterday that I was back in. Foz [Foran] went down in the weekend. [I'm] pretty gutted for him. [I'm] very lucky to get another opportunity. I'm pretty excited for this weekend.

"Even last week, [I] had a good week of training last week as well - kept myself ready just in case."

Johnson also credited a spray from coach Maguire, helping him get back to where he needed to be for this weekend's comeback.

"The main one [was], 'Don't play s***, you stay in the team'," Johnson added.

"Pretty simple, really. We're constantly talking, we've got a great relationship.

"We've got certain standards around our footy side. I didn't meet those in [the] Australia game. I understand that, came out and worked hard last week, and then getting an opportunity this week. [I'm] just looking forward to that now.

"I wouldn't say that [I have] a point to prove. I've got certain standards around my performance that I know - whether you guys write I have a good game - whether I've met them or not.

"You're your own worst critic at the best of times. I've got certain standards that I want to play at - that's all I'm looking at doing this weekend.

"I'm sure that if I do that, everyone will be happy."

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