Springboks relieved that talented Cipriani missing

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus says Danny Cipriani’s omission from England’s squad for the upcoming internationals caught him by surprise.

First-five Cipriani started the final test of England’s series against South Africa in June and was largely responsible for halting their six-match losing run by setting up Jonny May’s try that sealed a 25-10 victory.

Yet despite carrying that scintillating form into the new season with Gloucester, he was left out of England coach Eddie Jones’ 36-man squad for the internationals, with Owen Farrell and George Ford preferred as the firstfive options.

Since then, Cipriani has picked up a three-match ban after being sent off for a high tackle on Munster centre Rory Scannell, and Erasmus is relieved the Springboks will not be facing him.

“Just because he’s a great talent, I was surprised he’s not involved,” Erasmus said. “But in terms of the way Eddie is building his squad, he has his ducks in a row in terms of who is his second and third choice and how he mixes and matches them. I just know Danny is a talented player and has certainly got a bagful of tricks.

“It’s difficult to prepare against him [Cipriani] but I wouldn’t say England are going to be easier to prepare for without him. With Cipriani in the mix in the last game, he definitely brought something new to their game. But then Farrell and Ford next to one another have experience, so they can vary the game.”

Erasmus will be without all his Premiership contingent, including Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux and Francois Louw, for the match at Twickenham on Sunday, as it falls outside the official test window. Despite winning the June test series 2-1, Erasmus says South Africa have much to prove against England.