Cipriani hunting a Bok hide
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:07
Danny Cipriani expects to get back on track with England by inspiring Martin Johnson's team to victory over world champions South Africa on Saturday.
Cipriani made a stunning full debut against Ireland in March, but was frustrated by his performances against the Pacific Islanders and Australia this month.
The 21-year-old flyhalf was given a stark reminder about what it takes to be world class by opposite number Matt Giteau in last weekend's defeat by the Wallabies and he is determined to learn from the experience.
"I expect a lot from myself, but that is only natural if you want to get to the top," Cipriani said.
"The Ireland game was very nice, but against the Pacific Islanders and Australia I have learned heavily.
"We are a new team coming together, so everything isn't going to be 100 percent correct all the time.
"We have got to keep working on it to make sure we are on the same wavelength. The communication is coming. It is going to get better.
"Martin Johnson has picked me again, and I have a chance to put a stamp on the game. I expect to direct the team in the right way.
"We have a juggernaut pack and a fantastic backline and we want to create some excitement. I think you will see that on Saturday.
"I think English fans are wanting a win just as much as we do. It is what we are striving for."
England were punished by Australia for conceding too many penalties but they were also let down by an inability to convert pressure and opportunities into points.
Cipriani made two searing breaks, neither of which led to a try, and he was guilty of a poor drop-goal and two missed penalties.
Australia fed off mistakes to win the game from 39 percent of possession, and the flyhalf admits England must become much more ruthless if they are turn the tables on South Africa.
"As a team, when we reach the last 10 metres we have to recognise this is the red zone and we need to kill the opposition off and come away with points," Cipriani said.
"I need to find consistency, so does the team, and we are learning a lot with every match.
"We did produce some good things against Australia and put together a great sequence of play. Then I executed a drop-goal badly.
"I take responsibility for that. It was a poor kick. I was also disappointed to only manage two out of four kicks at goal. That wasn't good enough for me.
"I will spend a lot of time working on my kicking in practice this week."
AFP
* Will it be a successful hunt for the English? It's your shout.
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