Cipriani Is Capable Of Pulling All The Strings

Eddie Jones’ comments this week regarding Danny Cipriani and the England fly-half situation are to be expected because as manager of the national side, you don’t want to say anything publicly that could compromise you in times to come.

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Maybe what isn’t being said can’t be said, because it could alienate the player and Jones could well need him in the next 20 months leading up to the World Cup.

When asked about Cipriani’s omission, Jones said: “If George Ford and Owen Farrell were out injured, then there’s a possibility we’d bring Cipriani into the squad as a main No.10, but I wouldn’t have him in the squad as a supporting No.10.”

He’s left the door open. Had he said something different, he’d have had to explain himself properly over Cipriani’s omission.

Given that the Wasps No.10 is playing so well, if George Ford and Owen Farrell were to get injured the likelihood is that Cipriani would be the player who could most deal with the intoxication of an international atmosphere and pressure ahead of Marcus Smith and Piers Francis.

Cipriani’s form suggests he should be in the squad. Full stop. I watched him live at Bath a week ago and he comfortably pulled the strings and orchestrated the Wasps attack.

Jimmy Gopperth wasn’t playing so there was more responsibility on Cipriani, not having that experience outside him. He was helped by a marvellous performance by Dan Robson at No.9, but Cipriani was the man calling the shots, listening to chatter outside on where the space was. You could see he was the man in command, taking the heat in his stride.