White: 'Cipriani not in Jonny's class'
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:10
The missing link: Jonny Wilkinson
Former Springbok coach Jake White has added his own special bit of fuel to the fire ahead of the England / South Africa clash this weekend - saying current England flyhalf Danny Cipriani is not yet ready to fill the place of injured star Jonny Wilkinson.
Cipriani, who may well have started this November series even with a fit Wilkinson about, has had a nervy couple of weeks at No.10 for the English team and While says he has yet to see what all the fuss is about.
The former Bok boss admitted that he had probably not seen enough of the Wasps hero to make a real judgement but, if the early signs were anything to go by, he would take Wilkinson ahead of Cipriani every day of the week.
Speaking to the Telegraph White said: "You only have to look and see what Jonny did for England at the World Cup,
"They were dead and buried after that 36-0 defeat in the pool stages to us [a game missed by Wilkinson through injury].
"He came back, and look where they ended up. You can never underestimate the confidence someone like Jonny brings to others around him in the changing room.
"They look at him and suddenly they realise that they have a chance of winning any Test match.
"I'm not for one minute saying that Danny Cipriani can't get there, or that he'll never be a Wilkinson, but the reality is that a Wilkinson brings out the best in players and helps make them play so much better.
"Jonny is by far the best flyhalf England have had for a long time. We've just not see enough yet of Cipriani."
England boss Martin Johnson has spoken regularly about his desire for the ‘new’ England to play a more expansive game than what they have been traditional been known for. White though is not sure the 2003 World Cup winner should be tinkering with the tried and trusted winning formula.
"Any Test side has to stick with the things that made them famous," he said.
"They call England boring, but the fact of the matter is they have reached three of the six Rugby World Cup finals played.
"They're like Brazil in football in that regard. Why move away from what's got you there?
"The Springboks were looking to expand their game, yet realised quickly that Test-match rugby is not about ticking this or that box, it's about winning."
What do you think? Is Cipriani ready ti be the man for England? Would you have started Wilko?
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
