Duel with Farrell and Saracens is England audition for Cipriani
SALE’S England exile Danny Cipriani hopes to use tomorrow’s crunch European Rugby Champions Cup match with Saracens to prove he deserves another shot at international level.
Cipriani missed out on a place in the England squad for last month’s autumn fixtures, despite featuring for the first time in six years during the summer tour to New Zealand.
The 27-year-old former Wasps fly-half admits that he is not currently playing well enough for a Test recall but intends to put that right – starting by outshining Saracens’ Owen Farrell, England’s regular No10.
“It’s the type of game you want to put your hand up and perform in,” he said.
“I know Owen through the England camps and you can see the drive and passion he has as a player. It will be a great challenge at the weekend if we get to go head-to-head.
“I think I need to play better to get into the England squad. I didn’t quite make it this time round and there are still bits for me to keep working on, and the two-way communication with England coaches does make you feel more involved.
“They’ve given me clear instruction of areas they want me to work on and that’s exactly what I’m going to keep doing. I’m not going to stop trying my hardest and doing the best I can to put my hand up to represent my country.”
Third-place Saracens travel to Sale hoping to boost their Pool 1 prospects and end a three-match winless run, but the hosts, who lie bottom, are enjoying better results, having won three Premiership matches in a row.