Danny Cipriani will finish on a high
Tony Hanks is backing Danny Cipriani to lead London Wasps into the play-offs with the best rugby of his troubled career before heading to Australia.
The Wasps director of rugby was impressed by the fly-half's display in the 9-0 win over Saracens yesterday, which came 48 hours after confirmation of Cipriani's summer move to Melbourne Rebels.
Cipriani kicked three penalties to lift Wasps into fourth in the Guinness Premiership and Hanks believes there is more to come from the 22-year-old this term now that speculation about his future is over.
"I hope we do see the best of Danny for the rest of the season and it's up to this team to create their own destiny," said Hanks. "It's vital to now go on a five or six-game unbeaten run.
"Sometimes when a guy makes a decision like this, he settles down and gets on with his rugby because he has one thing to concentrate on — his rugby. We challenged Danny in a few areas today and he really fronted up against Saracens, faced their big guys and did everything asked of him.
"Watching Danny make those trademark breaks is heart-in-the-mouth stuff but he played well, kicked his goals and the way he has approached training has been good."
Head coach Shaun Edwards made it clear he expects Wasps to make key signings to replace Cipriani and England wing Paul Sackey, who is moving to Toulon.
Edwards said: "I come from an era when players move on. What is more important is who we replace them with and that our recruitment is pro-active. For example, we brought in Tom Varndell as part of that process.
"No matter who is leaving or staying, they are all very determined to make the play-offs and then the final."
Sarries led the table for much of the season but are now third after enduring a torrid time in the scrums at Adams Park. Director of rugby Brendan Venter will want an explanation from his pack when he holds a debrief tomorrow.
While the forwards are a worry, Venter has no doubt that Alex Goode, the 21-year-old full-back, is ready to switch to No10.
Venter said: "Alex is well equipped to handle the attention that will be on him."
