Steve Diamond backs Danny Cipriani to steal Owen Farrell’s slot

Sale boss Steve Diamond insists his born-again fly-half Danny Cipriani is capable of ousting Owen Farrell from the England World Cup squad.
While the previously untouchable Farrell continues his recovery from the serious medial knee ligament damage he sustained against Clermont Auvergne in January, Cipriani will be on England’s bench this afternoon looking to build on a stylish recent cameo against Italy.
With Exeter’s Henry Slade also making a strong case, Farrell’s place suddenly looks vulnerable and Diamond is backing Cipriani, 27, to capitalise.
“If Danny carries on doing what he is doing, then yes, he can take Owen’s position,” Diamond told The Rugby Paper. “It would be a big call by England to drop Owen, he can cover other positions, as can Danny at full-back – but it’s not impossible.
“Danny’s got his opportunity now and he can’t do any more than come on like he did against Italy and play like he played. Let’s hope he gets more exposure and it’s great for England that he’s finally answered the questions people were asking.
“What he’s got to do now is keep doing what he does really well, and if you saw his performance for us against Saracens last weekend, there’s not too many fly-halves that can put a pass away like the one to Sam Tuitupou for our first try.”
Cipriani’s rehabilitation from being a playboy darling of the paparazzi to becoming a serious rugby player again has been a triumph of Diamond’s man-management.
Few clubs wanted to touch the former Wasps man in 2012 on his return from a disastrous spell with the Melbourne Rebels, where he became consumed by the celebrity lifestyle and lost sight of what had made him famous in the first place.
But Diamond saw a kindred spirit, explaining: “I’m probably a bit like a big brother to him.
“I understand what he does and have a similar social life. I don’t mean his celebrity life, just relaxing and getting away from rugby when we need to.
“I’m not sure it was a risk bringing Danny to Sale, he’s always had talent, but we needed to create a culture everyone could buy into.
“Danny just wanted to fit into a team game and be in an environment where his opinions were respected.
“There’s always been a lack of discipline with some players, but with Danny we never got that.
“The bark was always bigger than the bite with his off-field antics so there was very little to worry about, apart from getting a decent team together.
“We’ve now got a pack of forwards that can get on the front foot and ensure Danny can show off his skills.
“I’m delighted he’s made the breakthrough with England now because he’s worked hard and is an example to all our younger guys.”
Of Cipriani’s World Cup hopes, Diamond adds: “He’s a proven international and is doing his talking with the ball. He can definitely make the World Cup.”
NEALE HARVEY