Wilkinson impressed by Cipriani

12 April 2012

Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was impressed after going head to head for the first time with Danny Cipriani, his 21-year-old opposite number currently mounting a strong claim as the 2003 World Cup-winner's heir apparent.

Cipriani came out on top, contributing 14 points for Wasps, as they beat Falcons 24-6 to reach the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals at Cardiff's Millennium stadium on Saturday March 22.

"He did well - he did what needed to be done," was the Wilkinson verdict on the young prospect closing in on his England jersey. "He kicked the goals well and did the right things; he has the ability to control the game and has years ahead of him to develop. It's great for Wasps and great for the country."

Wilkinson, who played the full 80 minutes in his first match since the World Cup final defeat against South Africa in October, added: "It's great to see having spent some time working with Danny in the England camp in the build up to the World Cup.

"He's a guy who wants to learn who already has a great deal of talent."

It was far from the ideal return for Wilkinson as Newcastle played into a hail and rain storm in the first half.

However, the England star said: "Wasps got one up on us in terms of physicality."

Wasps former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio is confident Cipriani's early success will not go to the youngster's head.

"In the last four weeks he has played against the Irish fly-half Ronan O'Gara, Wales' Stephen Jones down at Llanelli and Jonny," he said.

"Every week is a real benchmark for him. His education is growing with every game he plays and he's at one of the right clubs where he won't get ahead of himself. We certainly won't allow that. He certainly has a maturity beyond his years."

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