Coach’s praise after Cipriani kickstarts England’s revival

EDDIE JONES praised Danny Cipriani’s clinical instincts as the fly-half brilliantly engineered the late try which halted England’s five-Test losing streak and ended their tour on a high note.

The 30-year-old had been a frustrated bystander for much of a disjointed contest, played out in tough conditions after a deluge of rain in the hours prior to kick-off. However, eight minutes from time he was presented with an opening at last and took it with aplomb.

Cipriani’s deadly kick behind the South Africa defence spun into the path of Jonny May and the Leicester wing seized the ball to touch down and settle the match. It was an act of creative class which Jones savoured.

‘I said we might not have many chances and that he could be good enough to take the chance and he did,’ said the head coach. ‘There was one opportunity for us to score a try. It was a beautifully weighted kick and we scored.’

Jones said improved composure led to a more disciplined display. Asked to nominate his star performers, he said: ‘Jonny May has been outstanding on this tour. He’s been incredible.

‘Tom Curry has played three Tests on the hop against probably the biggest and most physical pack in the world. He has a lot of potential, that boy.

‘I was glad to see Chris Robshaw play so well today. He’s been out of form but bounced back. He showed leadership. I thought Marler was superb up front. He was there at the last scrum, in the 80th minute of the game. Clive Woodward would be happy that he played 80 minutes! He scrummed well.’