Test chances rise as Danny Cipriani works his way back into England XV

 
Warming up: Danny Cipriani prepares on Monday for his return
Chris Hewett16 June 2014

Danny Cipriani can take another significant step towards rediscovery tomorrow when he leads England’s attacking line against one of the world’s strongest non-Test teams: the Canterbury-based Crusaders.

Cipriani has beaten Northampton playmaker Stephen Myler to the No10 shirt — a clear sign that the rehabilitation of the great lost hope of English rugby is well under way.

One of the last players to be called up for this tour — he had been marginalised at international level since 2008 — the 26-year-old may yet force his way onto the bench for this weekend’s final meeting with the All Blacks in Hamilton. Owen Farrell of Saracens, the senior fly-half, has a knee ligament injury and is doubtful for the last game of a long season.

The team for tomorrow’s game are a mix of experienced Test hands and bright young wannabes. Saracens full‑back Alex Goode, first choice in the position before being dislodged by Mike Brown of Harlequins seven months ago, will make his tour bow, as will a number of other familiar names: Ben Foden, Brad Barritt and Lee Dickson.

There are also opportunities for uncapped Bath wing Anthony Watson and the similarly undecorated Leicester lock Ed Slater, who will captain the side.

“Our focus is on making a mark,” said Slater today. “We’ve lost two Tests by narrow margins, so this is a chance to lift the spirit in the squad. The players named in this team are really eager to perform.

“A big part of our job on tour was to push for Test selection, in the knowledge that if we didn’t make it, it was our duty to support the people who did.

“But it was always in the back of our minds that this game was available to us. Now it’s here, we’re desperate to get out there and play.”

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree described the game as a “fourth Test — a huge occasion for us”. It will also be a major occasion for Christchurch, one of world rugby’s most celebrated locations. Three years after the earthquake that laid waste to great swathes of the city, the tourists are here giving their backing to the Canterbury Rugby Earthquake Relief Charitable Trust.

“We’re supporting a great cause and we’re honoured to be here,” said Rowntree.

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith will miss Saturday’s Test after breaking a thumb during the 28-27 victory over England in Dunedin at the weekend.

England: A Goode (Saracens), B Foden (Northampton), H Trinder (Gloucester), B Barritt (Saracens), A Watson (Bath), D Cipriani (Sale), L Dickson (Northampton); A Waller (Northampton), J Gray (Harlequins), H Thomas (Sale), E Slater (Leicester, capt), D Attwood (Bath), J Haskell (Wasps), M Kvesic (Gloucester), T Johnson (Exeter). Reps: D Ward (Harlequins), N Catt (Bath), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Paterson (Sale), R Wigglesworth (Saracens), S Myler (Northampton), J May (Gloucester), C Pennell (Worcester).

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