Danny Cipriani
has been given another opportunity to stake a claim for a
World Cup
squad place after
Stuart Lancaster
named him on the bench for Saturday’s warm-up match against France.
The versatile Sale Sharks player, who this month was re-bailed until after the World Cup following his arrest in June on suspicion of drink-driving, was rarely involved during his 30 minutes on the pitch in last Saturday’s victory over the French at Twickenham, but gets another opportunity in Paris.
Lancaster is likely to give Cipriani that chance at full-back when he comes on, as Mike Brown is set to start for the first time since he suffered concussion in March. Jamie George gets the chance to audition for a spot as the third hooker, while Billy Twelvetrees is also named among the replacements, alongside Nick Easter.
The starting line-up contains 14 changes from the one at Twickenham, with only Jonny May remaining of the first XV. Chris Robshaw returns to lead the side, while Joe Launchbury plays his first international in 12 months after returning from injury.
Lancaster said: “France were very good last weekend and will be even stronger at home and this will be a big test but these guys have been working hard for the opportunity and are desperate to go out and perform. I’m delighted for Jamie George, who hopefully gets his first cap, and also Joe Launchbury, who has worked tirelessly and patiently to get back to fitness.” Guardian Service
