Jones has a new job for Cipriani
Jones has suggested a possible third position Danny Cipriani could potentially play at for England. There has been much speculation following Jones comments on the matter that Cipriani’s future could like at fullback for England and not at flyhalf.
However, Jones has now suggested that he could fill a role at 12.
George Ford starts at flyhalf, a call that has disappointed many fans of Danny Cipriani who had hoped that his end of season form, in particular, might have forced Jones’ hand to start him.
“He was good enough to get in the squad to go to South Africa,” Jones told RugbyPass. “He’s good enough to get in the 23 to face the Barbars. You guys treat him as a special player, I treat him as one of the 34 players we’ve had in camp and he’s done well.”
When pressed on Cipriani’s role from the bench being at fly half or full back, Jones remarked, “I think he could play either role, 15 or 10 and on Sunday he might have to play 15, 10 or 12.”
The switch of Harlequins fullback Mike Brown to the left wing, allowing Wasps Elliot Daly to start at fullback is one of those decisions that has raised a few eyebrows.
Jones explained, “It’s a concept I’ve had in my mind for a while. I feel Browny is a really good on-the-ball player, he’s strong around the ruck, he’s a great carrier in close and it’ll actually suit his game very well and give him more freedom to do that. At 15, you’ve got to be more responsible for the backfield.
“At 11, he can come into the game more and that’s what I’m looking for. Elliot is a fast guy, he’s got a big left foot and certainly fullback could be a position that suits him well.”
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Sunday’s match will start the countdown before England lose defence coach Paul Gustard to Harlequins, he takes up the position following the three test tour to South Africa. Jones paid tribute to his assistant.
“Very pleased for him. For one of our assistant coaches to get the head coach [job] at one of the most iconic rugby clubs in England is a fantastic achievement. I’m pleased for him personally. Obviously, for the team, I’m a little bit disappointed but I’m sure that we’re going to find a coach who can build on the great work that Gussy has done for us.”
Source: RugbyPass
