Cipriani: I’ll be England’s fly-half at 2015 World Cup
ENGLAND outcast Danny Cipriani believes he is capable of spearheading the Red Rose’s challenge to win the World Cup on home soil in 2015.
The 24-year-old fly-half returns to Twickenham for the first time since winning the last of his seven caps in November 2008 when the Barbarians face Australia on Saturday.
The former Wasps star was frozen out by manager Martin Johnson, who resigned last week following a disastrous World Cup campaign, but Cipriani insists international recognition is solely dependent on his form, rather than who is picking the team.
“I have a long-term goal to be in the squad and become first choice No10 for 2015,” said Cipriani, who must be released for international duty by Melbourne Rebels if picked by England. “Watching England makes me keen to play for them every time. I truly believe I’m in a place where I can do that if I focus on my game.
“In the short term I want to play well this season, hopefully to be that ‘exceptional’ case whereby England will pick someone playing overseas.
“For the last 12 months, watching England play while not being involved felt as though it was passing me by. I just want to make sure I don’t give anyone the excuse not to pick me.”