Cipriani told to improve defensive qualities
Cipriani is likely to be put under pressure by Australia on Saturday
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Thursday, 13, Nov 2008 10:36
Danny Cipriani has been told he needs to work on his defensive duties if he is to one-day become a world-class fly-half.
The Wasps No.10 has been warned by England's defence coach Mike Ford that he needs to "front-up" and that he can't rely on his teammates to protect him in games.
"Danny wants to be one of the best players in the world and he realises one of the responsibilities of a fly-half who wants to be number one is that he has got to defend in that channel, Ford said.
"If we hide someone in defence and the opposition don't get him in the first phase, they will get him second. My experience at international level is that they will find him out.
Ford also revealed that Cipriani is aware of his defensive limitations, and that he is working on improving himself in training.
"We understand that and Danny does as well. So he might as well front up now, early in his career and get that part of his game right both physically and mentally - and he is doing that.
"Cipriani made 13 tackles against the Pacific Islanders at the weekend so we know he can tackle."
Cipriani's defensive duties are likely to be severely tested by Australia, and Stirling Mortlock in particular, during Saturday's test at Twickenham.
"Mortlock is a talisman," Ford said. "He will come at that channel and try to dent our defence. He does that as well as anybody in the world and we feel if we can get parity in that area it will go a long way to stopping Australia."