Rugby World Cup
Adam Ashley-Cooper: Danny Cipriani would never get in Wallabies team
Tom Hamilton
October 2, 2015
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Adam Ashley-Cooper has responded to Danny Cipriani's pre-match jibe by saying the England fly-half "would never be a part of our team".

Cipriani, who was in the original World Cup training squad but missed out on a place in the final 31-man party, wrote on his blog: "Not one Australian would get into that England team right now. The Aussies will be fired up, but when it comes down to it, head-to-head England are too strong."

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia speaks to the media
Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia speaks to the media© Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika would not be drawn on Cipriani's comments in Friday's press conference but Ashley-Cooper, who starts on the wing in Saturday's Rugby World Cup clash at Twickenham, has responded to the fly-half's views.

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"It's just nice that Danny is talking about someone other than himself," Ashley-Cooper said. "He's a good bloke and I enjoy his selfies a lot. He can say what he likes, he wouldn't ever be a part of our team."

Australia know that a win on Saturday will end England's World Cup hopes, dispatching the hosts in the pool stages. England have won their last two matches against the Wallabies -- 20-13 in 2013 and 26-17 in 2014 -- and Ashley-Cooper says they will give little thought to the wider ramifications of Saturday's game and are focusing on getting the result for their supporters.

"The satisfaction and relief I get from playing is always when we win, regardless of who we play," he said. "We're playing to represent our country and that means millions to people back home. That's enough to play for.

"Traditionally there's always been a great rivalry with England. It's been there throughout my career and I've really enjoyed that battle, particularly here at Twickenham. It will be exactly the same here tomorrow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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