Cipriani the best No.10 in England?
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He might not be Eddie Jones's favourite but Danny Cipriani deserves to be in the squad says James Haskell.
In preparation for the World Cup, Jones’ England have been training in Treviso and the Australian has omitted some big names, including flyhalf Danny Cipriani.
Cipriani, who was named player’s player of the season and player of the season at both the RPA awards and the Premiership Rugby awards, has had an amazing season with his club Gloucester.
However, that was not enough as the mercurial player has been left out of the most recent training camp and could be missing the World Cup depending on the England coach and selectors' decision.
One player who certainly feels like he should be in the squad is James Haskell. The veteran said that Cipriani is the best flyhalf and he does things that other players cant.
On the flyhalf, Haskell said: “I always feel for Danny, I think he’s an incredible player. For me, he’s probably the best flyhalf in England at the moment on the form of last season.
“Obviously Eddie and the coaching staff have their reasons why.
“I think he’s someone that you should always have in the squad, he has that ability to perform, he can do things that the other guys can’t.”
Aside from the selection headaches Haskell, who played 77 times for the national side between 2007 and 2018, has admitted he is looking forward to the tournament in Japan.
Despite that, Haskell thinks this England team could repeat the success of 16 years ago.
“I think the World Cup is massively exciting for England,” Haskell said.
“Eddie [Jones] has left no stone unturned in pursuit of making the best team possible. I think they’ve taken training to a new level.
“I’ve had conversations with Eddie and he’s excited. I’m an England fan now and no longer a player and I’m excited to see us go on and win it.”
He added: “For me, it’s the best chance England have had since 2003, I think we’re in the best possible place to go and compete.”
England are set to host Wales on Sunday in the first of four warm-up matches before heading to Japan, where their World Cup campaign starts on September 22 when they take on Tonga in Sapporo.
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