Not so much an axing as an ASSASSINATION

ENGLAND COACH KOs DAN IN BIZARRE AND BRUTAL FASHION

DANNY CIPRIANI’S World Cup dream hangs by a thread after a bizarre and brutal axing by Eddie Jones.

The fly-half played a matchwinning role in England’s last outing on what was his first Test start for a decade.

He then picked up where he left off in Cape Town by starting the new season superbly for new club Gloucester.

But that has failed to impress England’s head coach, who said: “Danny is probably third or fourth choice.”

Jones could have made a case for dropping him over his assault conviction in Jersey, which brought an RFU reprimand for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.

Yet, by insisting it was “100 per cent” a rugby decision, it is not only Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll who is unable to understand what on earth is going on. “Jersey had no bearing on this selection,” said the Australian, revealing George Ford – dropped for Cipriani in South Africa – is back ahead of him in the pecking order.

It is fair to say Cipriani’s claims have been championed in the past when his form has not merited it. This is not one of those occasions.

But, rather than encourage one of the few players in his squad to possess the X Factor, Jones (right) chooses to get hung up on the historic hype.

“Some of the quality of George Ford’s play is absolutely outstanding,” said Jones.

“He’s got back to being what he’s good at – taking the ball square and flat, attacking the line, looking for opportunities.”

Jones has watched each of Cipriani’s three Gloucester starts as “what you do off the ball is massively influential in the game and you can’t see that on television”.

The inference is clear. He considers Cipriani’s game to be more about golden moments than sustained excellence.

“Ten is a very influential position,” Jones added. “He is the bus driver and the conductor of the side. “If Danny is a better player than Owen Farrell and George, he can certainly promote himself ahead of them. From what I’ve seen at the moment, he is not – in terms of the whole context of the team.” Maybe, but he can change a game in a split-second and that is a weapon England currently lack in their armoury.

Jones will hope it can be provided by the return of longterm absentees Manu Tuilagi and Chris Ashton, the latter, though, hardly picked on form. He has been banned all season.