Exclusive – Healey: Lancaster will test Cipriani’s new-found maturity on England’s tour to New Zealand
Austin Healey believes Stuart Lancaster is using the tour to New Zealand to test Danny Cipriani’s new-found maturity.
The Sale Sharks fly-half, who has been superb for the Aviva Premiership side this season, has been included in the Red Rose’s 20-man squad for a training camp next week and looks likely to be on the plane to face the All Blacks this summer.
Cipriani has had six years in the international wilderness, following off-field problems, spending time in Australia and even considered a return to football.
But the outside-half has returned to his sparkling best with Steve Diamond’s side this campaign and former England star Healey claims a trip to the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ will show Lancaster how far the 26-year-old has progressed.
“If I’m being brutally honest Cipriani isn’t going to start any of the games, unless he gets an opportunity through injury,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “He won’t walk out in there in the England number 10 shirt.
“Going over to New Zealand, Lancaster wants to see what his persona is like and whether he fits in with the established players.
“Is he going to rock the boat or does he bring an energy other people can feed off? If he does [impress] then maybe he could start, but he’s going to need a fortuitous opportunity.”
Healey does feel, however, that the former Wasps star still has the arsenal to take on the best in the world.
“When Danny first came on the scene he was a prodigious talent,” he said. “But then he broke his leg, lost a yard of pace and some confidence, and went off the rails a little bit.
“He went off to Australia and went further off the rails. But he's come back to England and decided his rugby career comes first and Page 3 models can wait.
“He’s really found his feet at Sale. He’s found the ability to be a stable influence. He’s always had an immense talent and a great kicking ability, which no other player has got, but he didn’t have that stability.”