We’ve all stepped up says star man

DANNY Cipriani was full of praise for the welcome he has had at Gloucester after his man-of-the-match display.

The England fly-half added: “It’s about everyone stepping up. I felt we stepped up, and our front row was outstanding.” Gloucester DoR Johan Ackermann said: “Danny is backing himself in training, and it worked for him today. But it is only week one, and there are a lot of tough games ahead.

“He believes his way of playing will suit my philosophy, and he is excited to give it a go. So far, so good.”

Northampton boss Chris Boyd moaned: “I’m grumpy. When you concede 21 penalties in a game you will battle to win it. I don’t think I have ever been in a game where a side has been penalised 21 times.”

Boyd said Dan Biggar – off beam with three kickoffs – was one of many Saints who would be looking for an improvement. “Dan was a mixed bag like a number of our guys. He sets incredibly high standards and will be tough on himself.”