Jonny Wilkinson praised the performance of England rival Danny Cipriani during Wasps' 24-6 EDF Energy Cup victory against Newcastle.
England's No.10 pays tribute to rival
Jonny Wilkinson was left impressed by England rival Danny Cipriani after the pair went head-to-head for the first time during Wasps' 24-6 EDF Energy Cup victory against Newcastle.
Cipriani, 20, booted 14 points to help secure a win that books Wasps' place in the last four of the competition.
And Wilkinson, playing for the first time since the World Cup final, admitted his young opponent poses a genuine threat to his hold on the England No.10 jersey.
Job done
"He did well - he did what needed to be done," said Wilkinson, who scored Newcastle's points with two second-half penalties.
"He kicked the goals well and did the right things; he has the ability to control the game and has years ahead of him to develop.
"It's great for Wasps and great for the country.
"It's great to see having spent some time working with Danny in the England camp in the build-up to the World Cup.
"He's a guy who wants to learn who already has a great deal of talent."
Physicality
Newcastle, who also welcomed back Toby Flood for his first appearance of the season, were outmuscled during the first-half and found themselves 18-0 down at the break.
Eoin Reddan collected his own chip ahead to score Wasps' first try in the 23rd minute and referee Malcolm Chang-Leng awarded a penalty try just prior to half-time after repeated infringements by the Falcons' pack close to their own line.
"Wasps got one up on us in terms of physicality today," admitted Wilkinson.
Wasps flanker Lawrence Dallaglio and director of rugby Ian McGeechan both paid tribute to Cipriani's display.
"In the last four weeks he has played against the Irish fly-half Ronan O'Gara, Wales' Stephen Jones down at Llanelli and Jonny today," said Dallaglio.
"Every week is a real benchmark for him. His education is growing with every game he plays and he's at one of the right clubs where he won't get ahead of himself. We certainly won't allow that.
"He certainly has a maturity beyond his years for a 20-year-old."
McGeechan added: "He's a talented player which generally means you see the game early.
"The danger is you can see too much too early but what's very good is he is seeing the right options and he's not getting beyond himself.
"He's actively thinking for the team and that, for a talented player, is a very big plus."
