Ashton and Wilkinson

I don't think Jonny (Wilkinson) has been as consistent during this tournament as he was in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Brian Ashton
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England coach Brian Ashton has insisted that Jonny Wilkinson is still a "valuable member of the squad" despite being dropped from the starting XV to face Ireland.

Wilkinson has paid the price for an inconsistent RBS Six Nations tournament, with Danny Cipriani getting his chance to shine at No.10 - seven days after he was supposed to make his first start at full-back.

The Wasps ace was axed himself after he was pictured leaving a nightclub after midnight in the build up to the match against Scotland - however he has been quickly brought back into the fold.

Cipriani's inclusion is the only change to the XV that lost 15-9 to Scotland at Murrayfield, however Ashton claims Wilkinson, the leading points scorer in world rugby, has not been made the scapegoat for that defeat.

He told Sky Sports News: "I don't think Jonny has been as consistent during this tournament as he was in the latter stages of the World Cup.

"His form has gone up and down and I feel Danny Cipriani has been playing exceptionally well in the Premiership and the Heineken Cup at No.10.

"Danny was due to play last week but managed to sidestep that one - he's really quick on his feet!

Valuable

"This week, though, we will hopefully see him at long last in the starting XV.

"Jonny's not a scapegoat - he is still in the squad. International rugby is a 22-man game these days and he is part of the squad.

"He could come on in the first five minutes and win us the game. He is covering 10 and covering 12, so is a very valuable member of the squad."

Ashton is looking to Cipriani to recreate the same form he has produced for Wasps this season when England entertain Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

"Danny will bring all the skills he has demonstrated for Wasps in the Premiership and Heineken Cup this season," Ashton explained.

"He has a vast, vast array of skills and I am hoping he brings a good authority in terms of decision making - but part of the game is playing without the ball so he will have to defend as well as attack."

Although Wilkinson is out of the starting XV, Ashton has insisted he still has the chance to make amends for his poor performance against Scotland.

And the England coach has defended his decision not to make wholesale changes to the squad.

"I have never been one for knee-jerk reactions," he said. "Whilst a number of the players will readily admit that they didn't play anywhere near the top of their form at Murrayfield, the guys - and I include Jonny among them - I have selected deserve another chance."