Cipriani targets turnaround

Cipriani: Focused

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Danny Cipriani reckons he can take a step closer to being the best fly-half in the world by kicking England to victory over South Africa.

The 21-year-old, who still has just three Test starts to his name, had a tough time against Australia, where opposite number Matt Giteau gave him an object lesson in being the best.

But the ambitious youngster still believes he's got what it takes, and is determined to show that against the Springboks.

"I expect a lot from myself, but that is only natural if you want to get to the top," said Cipriani.

"The Ireland game was very nice, but against the Pacific Islanders and Australia I have learned heavily.

"Martin Johnson has picked me again, and I have a chance to put a stamp on the game. I expect to direct the team in the right way."

Problem-solving

The list of problem areas against Australia was lengthy - England were ineffective in the scrum, conceded too many penalties and failed to convert what pressure they had into points.

And Cipriani has pinpointed the latter at the top of his to-do list.

"As a team, when we reach the last 10 metres we have to recognise this is the red zone and we need to kill the opposition off and come away with points," he said.

"I need to find consistency - so does the team - and we are learning a lot with every match."

Including how to kick better, the fly-half conceded while reflecting on his own sub-standard drop goal effort.

Encouragement

But while Cipriani is willing to be his own toughest critic, he has at least one influential voice of encouragement in the shape of Lawrence Dallaglio.

"I think what we have to recognise with Danny is that in the space of a few performances he's been built up to be the finished article," said Dallaglio.

"I think Danny will have learned a lot from the Australia game, and the good

thing about him is that he does learn very quickly.

"Saying that, Danny did two or three things in that game that other players

are not capable of doing - and he'll get better and better."