Six Nations
'Lancaster should have used Cipriani against Ireland'
ESPN Staff
March 4, 2015
Lancaster: Ill discipline to blame
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Players/Officials: Danny Cipriani
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations
Teams: England | Ireland

Danny Cipriani should have been brought on by Stuart Lancaster as England chased the game against Ireland, according to Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond.

Stuart Lancaster left Cipriani on the bench for Sunday's 19-9 defeat in Dublin despite a try-scoring cameo in England's win over Italy in the previous game.

Diamond feels his fly-half could have helped swing the contest back in England's favour.

"I think fly-half is one of the most difficult positions to change but Danny probably should have got 15 minutes looking at the way the game had gone," Diamond said.

"The pressure on the coaches is enormous. They tried to change it how they saw fit on Sunday and it didn't work. But as far as I am concerned Danny needs to be given another opportunity."

Cipriani has been in excellent form for Sale this season, and there was widespread clamour for his inclusion in the Six Nations squad after he was overlooked by Lancaster for months.

With the Six Nations taking a break this weekend, Cipriani has been released to play in Sale's Aviva Premiership clash with Bath on Friday.

Danny Cirpriani scored a try within a minute of coming on against Italy © Getty Images
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