News
Cipriani - the second coming
September 28 2008
England tyro Danny Cipriani believes his stint on the sidelines has made him a better player, and he is relishing the prospect of tying his boots in anger.
The Wasps playmaker is set to make his return against Bath on Wednesday - just over four month since he suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle in the Guinness Premiership semi-final against the same opponents.
Cipriani's recovery from the career-threatening injury is nothing short of miraculous. He wasn't due back on the paddock until the new year and was duly omitted from England's Elite Player Squad.
But a summer of hard work with renowned sprint coach Margot Wells and Wasps' head physio Prav Mathema has given the 20-year-old a shot at the November Tests.
"I feel there isn't a lot that can stop me now because I have been through quite a few things," Cipriani told the Mirror.
"The injury I had can set people back and when I was sat down with my ankle up, all of these things went through my mind.
"But now I am physically better than what I was. It has given me more drive and determination, and it has made me mentally stronger and tougher.
"Looking at me now you wouldn't have known I had a serious injury. I have wiped it out of my head."
But Wasps boss Ian McGeechan warned that Cipriani faces a fight to win back the club's number ten jersey.
The Premiership champions halted a three-match losing streak with a confidence-boosting 28-19 defeat of Tigers at Welford Road on Friday - a result that featured a match-winning display from fly-half Jeremy Staunton.
"What part Danny will play against Bath will be decided over the weekend," said McGeechan.
"The medics have given him the all-clear to play and he's looked good in full contact practice.
"He is two months ahead of schedule and that's all down to the excellent attitude and approach he shown.
"But Jeremy has thrown his cap into the ring with his performance against Leicester. He collected his points very well and had a fine game. In him, Dave Walder and Cipriani we now have three great alternatives."