Wilkinson hails Cipriani
New England star impresses World Cup winner
Last updated: 17th March 2008
Old and the new: Wilkinson with Cipriani (right)
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Jonny Wilkinson has hailed Danny Cipriani's performance as "a joy to watch" - despite the Wasps ace taking over his England No.10 jersey.
Cipriani was handed his first start for England at the expense of Wilkinson - and he rose to the challenge by landing 18 points in the 33-10 victory over Ireland.
But as well as producing a faultless display with the boot, the 20-year-old also released England's backline to great effect as Paul Sackey, Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait all crossed for tries.
And Wilkinson, who came on during the second half at inside centre, insists that he is delighted with Cipriani
"That was a phenomenally impressive start from Danny Cipriani in the England No10 shirt on Saturday," he said in The Times.
Fantastic
"And believe me, from where I was sitting on the England bench for most of the game, it was a joy to watch.
"I guess it is only human nature, but I have been asked what it was like to watch him play so well at No.10, the position I like to play. The answer is simple: it was fantastic and I was genuinely delighted for him.
"The sad thing is that in years gone by, that might not have been the case. I can't deny that when Charlie Hodgson was making his mark on that position, I found it very hard to accept."
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Comments
John Clarke says...
Well done Danny Cipriani for leaving some glimmer of hope for the future of english rugby. It is still difficult to judge on one international appearance how far danny will go. I would like to think all the way. I think his ability will be apparent when he has the like of Jerry Collins and Schalk Burger breathing down his neck. Johnny Wilkinson is one of the greatest players ever to come through the england ranks, and it is proved by the fact he has never ben dropped since his start in 1999. i hope danny with his sure fire attitude looks at this and takes what Johnny has to offer to become a better all round player. Unfortunatley Brian Ashton is not the man to get the best of the players, and England must not have him in charge when the world cup comes around again.
Posted 13:26 17th March 2008
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