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Wilko gives Cips the seal of approval
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| Danny Cipriani |
DANNY Cipriani out-scored Jonny Wilkinson 14 points to six on Saturday, and afterwards the legendary fly-half had nothing but praise for the player tipped to take his England shirt.
Wilkinson said: "He did well. He did what needed to be done.
"He kicked the goals well and did the right things."
Wilkinson and Cipriani trained alongside each other during England's build-up to the World Cup, and the Newcastle man was impressed by what he saw.
Wilkinson said: "He has the ability to control the game and has years ahead of him to develop. He's a guy who wants to learn and who already has a great deal of talent.
"It's great for Wasps and great for the country."
Cipriani's showdown with Wilkinson completed a rare treble for the 20-year-old.
A fortnight ago he was up against Welsh fly-half Steven Jones and the week before that stood up to the scrutiny of Irishman Ronan O'Gara.
Lawrence Dallaglio said: "Every week is a real benchmark for him and his education is growing with every game he plays.
"I think he's at the right club where he won't get ahead of himself - we certainly won't allow that.
"He's playing really well and showing maturity beyond his years. It gives us and England a lot of options."
But while Cipriani's individual talent is beyond doubt, it's his ability to use it to the team's benefit that has most impressed Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan.
He said: "Danny is a talented player, which generally means you see the game early.
"The danger is you see too much too early, but I think what's been very good is he's seen the right options early.
"He's not getting beyond himself. He's actually thinking for the team, about the team, and for a talented player that is a very big plus."
Cipriani just missed out on England's World Cup squad at the start of the season, but it will be a surprise if he is available to Wasps during the Six Nations.
Cipriani said: "Playing for England is what drives me. It is my dream and it would be lovely to be involved.
"I'd be happy to play in any position. Right now I'm playing at number ten, so hopefully I would get a look in at that position.
"But at the minute I'm focused on playing at Wasps because we have some big games coming up."
8:44am Tuesday 4th December 2007
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