Cipriani keen on Flutey effect
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:57
England starlet Danny Cipriani can't wait for the day that he and New Zealand-born playmaker and England newcomer Riki Flutey line up for their country.
Cipriani is currently recovering from a horror ankle injury sustained while on duty for Wasps in the Guinness Premiership semifinal.
The young flyhalf revealed that Flutey, who now qualifies to play for England despite his New Zealand heritage, could well be the man to spark success for England.
"I know what Riki's brought to Wasps and I'm confident he could do the same for England," said Cipriani of his New Zealand-born Wasps' team-mate.
"He brings a buzz with him, he loves going out with new things to break down defences and that's one of the reasons we've work so well together."
Despite his Kiwi roots, Flutey is relishing the possibility of facing the Haka come November, when England play New Zealand in the Investec Challenge series at Twickenham on Saturday, November 29. "The reaction from my family and friends has been amazing," said Flutey.
"I've had so many supportive messages from former school mates and colleagues.
"One that stands out is a text I got from ex-All Black Norm Hewett. To have him say it was honour to play alongside me was amazing and to get his blessing to play for England means so much to me.
"In New Zealand I was a utility player often covering lots of positions on the bench. To be fair to my coaches back there, I did get opportunities but I didn't take them. Over here I've been getting game time week in week out and I've really enjoyed it."
Although he admits the possibility of playing for England has been at the back of his mind all season, Flutey admits that the call took him by surprise.
"I got a message from Martin Johnson about a week before the announcement. I was quite nervous hearing his voice and I even wondered if it might be a wind up!" he added.
"But I caught up with him and he just asked for my views on playing rugby, he didn't actually say he wanted me. I was on holiday in Crete when heard the announcement on the news."
Meanwhile, Cipriani also revealed that he has been boosted in his fight back from injury by Chelsea captain John Terry.
The England footballer, who has had his share of injuries, took time out to text the London Wasps fly half and wish him well for his recovery.
And 20-year-old Cipriani told the rfu.com podcast that, the message, along with a call from Welsh rugby legend Ieuan Evans, has boosted his confidence.
"Mentally it was difficult in the first couple of days but I've had good friends around me," said Cipriani.
"Ieuan Evans rang me, he had the same injury and came back stronger and John Terry has sent me a few texts, too.
"I feel really good. It's been seven weeks yesterday since the injury, the cast is off and I'm walking freely with a space boot on.
"In my own mind I'm going for late November, early December. That's when the physios say I should be ready and back to my best."
