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Europe news: Thorn tells England to be patient with Cipriani
Posted by:Mark 43 days ago • Discuss
LONDON – New Zealand lock Brad Thorn has told England to give Danny Cipriani time to mature, arguing the 21-year-old outside-half will come good given the right guidance.
Thorn, a former rugby league international, could well be facing Cipriani in Saturday's Test at Twickenham where the England playmaker will hope he gets the chance to atone for two lacklustre displays so far this month against Australia and world champions South Africa.
Cipriani was all at sea against the Springboks last weekend as England went down 42-6 - their heaviest ever defeat at Twickenham.
And for some the performance of Cipriani, a regular fixture in the gossip columns of British newspapers due to his relationship with the actress and model Kelly Brook, was proof he was not ready for the rigours of Test rugby.
"Danny has got quite a presence off the paddock and maybe that's why he gets so much attention," Thorn said. "It's a lot for him to take - it's not natural for a 21-year-old kid to get that sort of attention.
"Hopefully he's got good people around him to keep his feet on the ground and maintain his focus.
"I've talked to athletes for years about what happens when you come out of high school.
"How do you prepare for big salaries, prepare to get the pats on the back, cars and that sort of stuff? It's not easy and you need good, grounded people around you.
"Strong role models are also important - senior players, coaches and parents. It's a tough one and I sympathise for Danny."
Thorn added that this month's internationals against the Tri-Nations trio of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand might be the making of Cipriani.
"I'm sure he's a fine young gentleman and this is probably a character building time for him," he said.
"That can be turned around this Saturday and I'm sure he'll be stronger for it in the years to come.
"Danny is a young guy who's talented. He's getting a shot at the moment and I've heard that Jonny Wilkinson thinks highly of him.
"He's very young so he needs some good time in the saddle and a bit of persistence. I'm sure he'll continue to develop."
And the 33-year-old Thorn, who has appeared in 25 Tests, said that what was true of Ciprani was also true for new England manager Martin Johnson.
"You can see where Martin Johnson is at. He's starting at the base again and it will take time for him to develop things," he said.
"Hopefully people will be patient with Martin and allow England to grow as a team.
"If Martin thinks he's got the right calibre of player then the thing for him to do is stick by those players.
"It doesn't help chopping and changing, it's just a case of whether the people above him will be patient enough.
"But if they get a good result this Saturday things will be so much better."
Both Johnson and New Zealand coach Graham Henry are due to name their teams on Tuesday.
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