Reborn Cipriani sets his sights on shining for England

DANNY CIPRIANIyesterday hailed one of the best weeks of his career and fixed his sights firmly on becoming one of England’s rugby greats.

The 27-year-old could reflect on making a try-scoring comeback for England against Italy in the Six Nations, penning a new two-year deal at Sale and helping them to a 14-10 victory over Saracens.

Yet none of that will be enough for Cipriani. He spoke of wanting to achieve so much more and should get another chance to showcase his rare talent against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

Coming off the bench to score against Italy in his first Test appearance at Twickenham since 2008 has poured confidence into the flyhalf, whose display on Saturday oozed authority, skill and perhaps above all, maturity.

The way he brilliantly ushered Sam Tuitupou over the line with a delicate offload for Sale’s first try was augmented by an overall game-management that Stuart Lancaster has demanded from him.

Cipriani, who turned down a bigmoney move from Toulon to commit to Sale, said: “I’m proud of what I’m achieving and credit to the coaches here who have pushed my case for England. It is exciting because I’m still trying to reach the top.

“The challenge when you’re at the top is trying to stay there but I’m still fighting to get there and I’ve got that fire in my belly. There is no hesitation from me and I will not stop as I try and get there.

“I want to keep being involved in the England squad and will hopefully play in Dublin at the weekend.

“It’s a challenge for me over the next six months building up to the World Cup, so I need to perform with any chance I get.

“I can’t rest at all – I’ll do that when I’m 38 and I retire.”

Cipriani will link up with Lancaster’s squad again tomorrow in preparation for the Ireland showdown as his international renaissance gathers pace.

Yesterday Cipriani spoke of his previous mistakes on and off the field.

The Londoner, who is happy and settled in Manchester, added: “I’ve had some very good guidance from Steve Diamond, Steve Black and Margot Wells.

“They have been in my corner for a while and it has been a journey, but I feel like I’m in a much stronger position now.

“I’ve had a lot of life experiences since I was 18 and that will hold me in good stead for those hard games.” – Daily Mail