Cipriani says Johnson made the right decision
Cipriani has played just seven games as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury
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Tuesday, 25, Nov 2008 10:59
Danny Cipriani has admitted that he agrees with Martin Johnson's decision to exclude him from the England team.
The Wasps fly-half will be on the substitutes bench for Saturday's clash with New Zealand at Twickenham, with Toby Flood wearing the number 10 jersey instead, and Cipriani feels that the manager was left with no choice.
"If I was coach I would have made the same decision," said Cipriani.
"Against South Africa I didn't make it easy for him to pick me again. It wasn't the greatest and it didn't go to plan.
"Mentally I am fine. I think I have learned a lot and this series has been a vital experience for me. I am not looking at it as a setback.
"I have a different job this weekend. I need to try and be inspiring to the rest of the team.
"We are playing the toughest team in the world and I could be on in the first minute. There is no way I could have a different mindset.
"My confidence won't dip at all. I know what I can do. I need to make sure when I come off the bench I am firing. I might have to make a vital decision so there was no way I could step off."
The 21-year-old has paid the price for his performance in the 42-6 defeat to the Sprinkboks last weekend and although he feels he was physically ready for the Autumn Test series, the best is yet to come as he continues his recovery from a serious ankle injury.
"It wasn't a case of too much, too soon because it is what I wanted but I am still getting back into it," said Cipriani.
"I have shown glimpses of what I can do, and the breaks I can make, but I haven't shown the consistency I had wanted to."