Danny Cipriani is ‘ready for an England comeback’

O’Connor played outside the former London Wasps talisman in Super Rugby and is a self-confessed admirer of the outside-half’s full range of skills. Cipriani is now back in England after signing for Sale Sharks and O’Connor fully expects to bump into him again in the Test arena.
“Danny benefited massively from coming to Melbourne. His game is a lot more complete having played on our harder surfaces,” said O’Connor.
“He has great vision and is a very handy kicker. He also got a bit bigger while he was out here and that has helped in other aspects of his game.
“I think he is more than ready to step back into the international fold and he is the right age now. His rugby career means everything to him.
“Almost every conversation we ever had was about how much he wanted to get back into the England jersey. He wants it badly and he is returning a better player.”
While O’Connor was sad to see Cipriani leave Melbourne, he is delighted the Rebels and the Australian Rugby Union have had a change of heart on Wales back row man Gareth Delve. He was due to leave at the end of the season, but has been given the green light to stay for an extra year.
Delve took over the captaincy at the club when Stirling Mortlock picked up a long-term injury and he has greatly impressed his team-mates with his wholehearted commitment and drive.
“Gareth is our captain and he has had a massive influence on the playing group. He is the type of guy who leads from the front,” said O’Connor.
“He makes some big hits and is a great ball carrier. He is a good speaker and communicator as skipper, but he also lets other players have an influence.
“There is a strong feeling we are building towards something special here in Melbourne and getting the dispensation to keep Gareth for another year is hugely encouraging.”
O’Connor picked up a nasty injury in April playing in a Super Rugby clash with New South Wales. He lacerated his liver and has not been able to play since.
But while the 21-year-old has been forced to sit out the games against Scotland and Wales, he announced on Friday that he will be back in time to be considered in the Castrol Edge Rugby Championship.
“The break has allowed me to put in a good block of eight weeks of gym work and I’m now back to running at 75 per cent. Things are improving nicely and I have another scan on my liver on Tuesday,” said O’Connor.
“If that goes well then I could be back in a couple of weeks and be ready for selection in the Rugby Championship. I want to come back into the Wallaby side and be a ball player, operating around outside half and inside centre.”