I’m now tougher and smarter, says returning golden boy Danny Cipriani

Danny Cipriani says the defensive frailties which have blighted his career  have been sorted out and that his critics will see a tougher, more mature player this season.
Fly-half Cipriani, settling in well in his first week at Sale after his two-year spell with the Melbourne Rebels, said: “John Muggleton (below)  taught me a lot in the Southern Hemisphere, he’s one of the best coaches I’ve had from a defensive point of view. That area of my game has improved.
“You grow up more as you get older anyway but being away from home speeds up the process. I’m 24 now and at a time in my life where I’m developing in all areas. It’s important I do everything I can to make sure this is a good year for me.”
Cipriani says the Rebels also helped hone his already impressive attacking abilities. “I also learned a lot about putting people into space and setting up tries,” he said. “The Southern Hemisphere focuses on a lot of different areas of the game in terms of footwork and spatial awareness and the way they attack the game.
“If you watch the way the New Zealand boys side step they leave people for dead with their footwork and that’s something I’ve worked on a lot. Being in a faster game and experiencing another part of the world is going to help my game and, hopefully, I can bring that to the Premiership.”
Cipriani’s return to elite English club rugby is eagerly anticipated and he knows he will be a marked man.
“I’ve had that my whole career so that’s all right,” said the Londoner, who won the last of his seven England caps in 2008.
Cipriani also knows that a good year with Sale will not only boost his chances of an international recall but help him make headlines for the right reasons.
“My focus is all on Sale and on the back of that if things are going well things may happen (with England). I’ve come back to the Premiership and I am up for selection.
“But I firstly I just want to do the best I can for Sale. We’ve got a great group of guys here and I wouldn’t want to let them down by not being focused.
“I’ve just got to make sure I get into the side and bed in as best I can and make sure we challenge for top honours.”
Having been brought to the North-west by ultra-persuasive chief executive Steve Diamond – “he could sell sand on the beach,” said Cipriani – the former Wasp is in no rush to buy a home in the area.
“I’m having a look around and just taking my time because it would be a long year if I rushed it and moved into the wrong place.
“There is a nice buzz here, a nice feel to the city and the new stadium and I’m just looking forward to spending more time here and getting to know everyone.
“I’ve had chips and gravy, with a bit of steak, and that was good. I’ve been enjoying my time up here and the northern banter.” Meanwhile, former England team-mate and Sale wing Mark Cueto, revealed that Cipriani has fitted in seamlessly during his first week at the club.
Cueto said: “I think regardless of who you are – whether you’ve got 50 caps for England and you’ve been around for 10 years and you have signed for a new club, or you’re a new guy on the block or you find yourself in Cips’ situation – you have always got to win the lads over.
“That comes by working hard and being a good lad. He’s been here a week and I don’t think the lads could have asked of any more of him.
“As long as he sticks to that, which I’m sure he will, nobody will have any qualms about him.”
JON NEWCOMBE