Thorn warns Cipriani

Thorn: Sympathetic

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New Zealand lock Brad Thorn says Danny Cipriani will need to tread carefully if he is to realise his ambition of becoming the next Dan Carter whilst also maintaining a celebrity lifestyle.

Although Cipriani has made just four England starts, his erratic performances have already led to calls for manager Martin Johnson to drop the 21-year-old in favour of Toby Flood.

Cipriani wants to overtake Carter and become the world's best number 10 but cross code star Thorn stressed the need for careful guidance if he is to achieve his aim and also maintain a high profile away from the rugby pitch.

"Danny has got quite a presence off the paddock and maybe that's why he gets so much attention. Jonny Wilkinson got the same sort of attention," said Thorn, who will start for the All Blacks against England on Saturday.

"It's a lot for him to take - it's not natural for a 21-year-old kid to get that sort of attention.

"Hopefully he's got good people around him to keep his feet on the ground and maintain his focus.

"I've talked to athletes for years about what happens when you come out of high school.

"How do you prepare for big salaries, prepare to get the pats on the back, cars and that sort of stuff? It's not easy and you need good, grounded people around you.

"Strong role models are also important - senior players, coaches and parents. It's a tough one and I sympathise for Danny."

Courage

Thorn says Johnson should have the courage of his convictions and stand by Cipriani, claiming his difficult introduction to Test-match rugby will lead to the emergence of a stronger player.

"I'm sure he's a fine young gentleman and this is probably a character building time for him," he said.

"That can be turned around this Saturday and I'm sure he'll be stronger for it in the years to come.

"Danny is a young guy who's talented. He's getting a shot at the moment and I've heard that Jonny Wilkinson thinks highly of him.

"He's very young so he needs some good time in the saddle and a bit of persistence. I'm sure he'll continue to develop."

Johnson has, to say the least, endured a difficult introduction to management, his side slumping to a record 42-6 defeat by world champions South Africa on Saturday.

Australia scored a 28-14 victory seven days earlier and, with the All Blacks visiting Twickenham this weekend, England's lot could well worsen before it improves.

But Thorn, a 33-year-old veteran of 23 caps who is enjoying his second stint in union, insists Johnson and his players must be given time to flourish.

"You can see where Martin Johnson is at. He's starting at the base again and it will take time for him to develop things," he added.

"Hopefully people will be patient with Martin and allow England to grow as a team.

"If Martin thinks he's got the right calibre of player then the thing for him to do is stick by those players.

"It doesn't help chopping and changing, it's just a case of whether the people above him will be patient enough.

"But if they get a good result this Saturday things will be so much better."