Danny Cipriani may be eyeing the England No.10 jersey but he’s no certainty to even play five-eighth for the Melbourne Rebels.
The former England playmaker stated after his appearance for the Barbarians on the weekend that he was going to be the No.10 for the Rebels in the 2012 Super Rugby season.
He declared he would start there, with new recruit James O’Connor at No.12, captain Stirling Mortlock at outside centre and another prized signing Kurtley Beale at fullback.
But with O’Connor completely outplaying Cipriani in his first start as Wallabies five-eighth as the Australians trumped the international side 60-11 at Twickenham, the import has some serious competition.
Melbourne coach Damien Hill said no jerseys were locked in.
“It’s great to hear Danny so enthusiastic but with all respect to him, it’s not how we work here,” Hill said.
“We select players based on performance, behaviours, the talent we have available; there’s going to be some selection challenges ahead.
“It’s going to be what’s best for the team.”
Hill was impressed by O’Connor’s commanding performance and said he was an option at five-eighth.
“Definitely. He’s shown himself now at 10, 12 on the wing and at fullback so he’s a talented player,” Hill said.
“James’ work in the contact was excellent, he’s ability to direct the play, his offloads, just his general go-forward was excellent.”
He said it was unfair to compare O’Connor and Cipriani because of the latter’s lack of preparation in an unfamiliar team that was soundly beaten.
The new coach, who has taken over from Rod Macqueen for the side’s second season, was also delighted by veteran Mortlock’s showing for the Barbarians, which he described as “trademark Stirling”.
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