England
England's Six Nation's squad too 'early' for Danny Cipriani
ESPN Staff
January 22, 2016
Danny Cipriani lines up a kick against Newport
Danny Cipriani lines up a kick against Newport© Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sale boss Steve Diamond believes in-form Danny Cipriani missed out on a Six Nations call-up because Eddie Jones named his England squad too "early".

Cipriani impressed in Sale's 38-5 European Challenge Cup victory over Newport Gwent Dragons on Thursday, scoring 11 points with the boot and setting up Neville Edwards' 47th-minute try with a fine grubber.

Asked about his fly-half's performance, Diamond told the BBC: "He was outstanding, wasn't he?

"I think the England coach has picked his team probably a fortnight early with the way Cipriani's in form. All he's got to do is carry on doing that and he'll get some recognition, no doubt."

Sale's five-try win, their biggest of the season so far, secured top-spot for Diamond's side in Pool 2 and a home quartfinal. Diamond, though, believes there is much more to come.

"We've got to come back down to earth as we've got London Irish next week and they're a totally different kettle of fish, fighting for their lives," Diamond said. 

"We need to put these performances together and if we can string some back-to-back wins together, because we can certainly do it at home, we can challenge for the top four."

Sale next face London Irish at the AJ Bell Stadium on Jan. 30.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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