England snub Cipriani again
ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson last night defended his latest snub to Danny Cipriani, after omitting the Wasps fly-half from the squad for the upcoming Tests against Argentina.
Cipriani has been left out in favour of the uncapped but in-form Sam Vesty – one of six untried players in a 34-man squad depleted by injury and British Lions absentees.
Fresh blood also comes in the form of Newcastle pair David Wilson and Tom May, Harlequins duo Jordan Turner-Hall and Chris Robshaw, and Gloucester’s Nick Wood.
Experience, meanwhile, is provided by World Cup winning hooker Steve Thompson, who wins a recall that could bring his first cap for three years, and the fit-again Lewis Moody.
Cipriani’s absence remains the biggest talking point, however, despite signs of a return to form late in the season. Johnson also shunned Cipriani at the Six Nations, following a lengthy injury absence, but insisted the 21-year-old’s latest omission was based purely on form.
“We think Sam Vesty has been playing very well and deserves his place,” said Johnson. “It is not that Danny doesn’t, but someone has beaten him to the spot. It is a very competitive area and we made the call after thinking about who was right for this trip.”
England face the Barbarians at Twickenham on 30 May, Argentina at Old Trafford on 6 June and the Pumas on their home turf in Salta a week later. Cipriani is part of the 26-man Saxons squad set to defend their Churchill Cup title in Colorado, America.
Meanwhile, Johnson says injured No10 Jonny Wilkinson’s move to Toulon will not damage his England prospects, adding: “Jonny in his best form is a very serious England candidate.”