Wilko praise for Cipriani

World Cup winner Wilkinson believes 20-year-old Cipriani is "coping" with things a lot better than he did at a similar age.

"We need guys like Danny Cipriani at the moment, who are driving the standards of those around him, all those playing with him and against him," said Wilkinson. "He's setting back the parameters of what it takes at that level, which is great for English rugby and the England squad."

Wilkinson, who wins his 66th cap against Wales this weekend and needs just 18 points to reach 1,000 for England, arrived on the Test scene as an 18-year-old in 1998.

But he believes Cipriani has an edge over him as he prepares to step out on what could be a long and successful international career.

Wilkinson added: "I see a guy who is coping with it a lot better than I did.

"He has got that authoritative side to him, which is great. He's already got a good rounded view of where he sees the game going.

"He has come in with his own views. He has got his mind set on what he wants and how he wants to play the game. That's fantastic.

"For a young guy to stand up and tell people what needs to be done is exactly what the team needs.

"There is no pretentiousness or arrogance in this squad. It is very open and very respectful, and everyone is keen to listen."