Playing in a backline bulging with Wallabies, Danny Cipriani can make or break his rugby career this Super Rugby season at the Melbourne Rebels.
Coach Damien Hill said Cipriani had the perfect opportunity to play his best footy and get his England international career back on track.
The 24-year-old five-eighth showed his intentions with a standout performance in the Rebels’ second trial, against the Blues at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Despite the 31-21 loss, the Rebels were impressive across the park in the opening half when they fielded their top line-up, and led 18-7 at the break before a Blues fight-back.
Combining with Wallabies, fullback Kurtley Beale, inside centre James O’Connor and halfback Nick Phipps, as well as winger Mark Gerrard, Cipriani had a major hand in both of the Rebels tries.
He also pulled off a try-saving tackle; defence usually exposed as his biggest weakness. Hill didn’t want to make too much of the performance in a trial match and spread his praise across the side.
He said that he believed Cipriani, who last season was stood down from playing for five weeks due to his off-field antics, enjoyed sharing the spotlight and pressure with O’Connor and Beale.
“He has a great opportunity if he takes it,” Hill said.
“Whenever you get backline of the quality that we have and you’re the first receiver, the No.10, it’s your responsibility to make sure you lead.
“It’s the same for Nick (Phipps) and a number of other players.”
Hill believed Cipriani, who played seven Tests for England in 2008 before being cut, had matured in his second year in Australia.
“I think he’s focusing mainly on how he’s best going to perform on the paddock rather than off the paddock.”
Melbourne play the Crusaders in their final trial next Saturday night at AAMI Park and then have a first-round bye before taking on NSW on Friday March 2 in their opening Super Rugby match.
League convert Cooper Vuna was another star for the Rebels while the forwards proved they were more than up to the task following the retirement of prop Greg Somerville.
“They really stood up,” Hill said.
“That Blues pack is a formidable pack so it was good to see us hold our own.
“I thought Gareth Delve was very strong, Tom Chamberlain played well, Hugh Pyle had another good game, as did Ged Robinson.”