Paul Ackford revisits the enigma of Danny Cipriani's England career and is full of praise for his natural gifts in Th Daily Telegraph.
”The tale is of Cipriani's full debut against Ireland in 2008, and it is relayed in some rugby circles almost with reverence.
“The match is about 30 minutes old, Ireland are leading and England have just pinched line-out ball against the throw from a position just inside their own half. Richard Wigglesworth gets the possession off the top and whisks an arrow-straight, flat pass into the waiting hands of the 20-year-old Cipriani. It is just about the best kind of ball you can get in modern rugby. Ireland are set up to attack, the opposing back lines are 20 metres apart, yet in a second Ireland will be scrambling to defend a play initiated by Cipriani who revels in precisely the type of situation.
“Except that Cipriani doesn't call a move, or jink, or feint, or do anything much. He simply stops, swivels and boots the ball miles down field, forcing a line-out within five metres of Ireland's goal line. In the Twickenham stands, those watching can't believe the evidence of their own eyes. England's best opportunity to run at Ireland, and Cipriani hoofs it. Ridiculous.”
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