Baxter's backing for Cowan-Dickie

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Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has backed Luke Cowan-Dickie to deliver for England if called upon against Wales this Saturday.

Cowan-Dickie is set to start from the bench at Twickenham following Jamie George's bicep injury, which has ruled the Saracens hooker out of the rest of the Six Nations.

The 22-year-0ld Cornishman won his first cap for his country last year in the Rugby World Cup warm-up match against France.

Baxter now believes that while George's setback is unfortunate, the Exeter hooker now has a chance to make an impression on England head coach Eddie Jones.

"I think he's exactly the right selection for the senior squad now that he's got through his injuries and is up and fit," said Baxter. "It's disappointing for Jamie that Luke's opportunity has come off the back of someone else's injury, but a lot of breaks in all sports happen like that.

"To win an international cap or be picked in the senior squad you have to be a good player, but you have to work extremely hard as well and Luke's done that. He's had to be patient through a couple of significant injuries and despite that, he's got his head down and is improving as a professional player all the time.

"He's still improving as a hooker as well. He's still played relatively few top-flight games as a hooker. His conversion from loosehead has not been very long and he's doing a remarkably good job and he'll keep getting better."