Cipriani: England can be best in the world

Even England's most fervent fans will take some convincing that the 20-year-old London Wasps No10, who makes his first start against Ireland on Saturday, can help deliver that kind of status given the team are scrambling around for a third win in the Six Nations.

But having rehabilitated himself after being dumped from the squad for his visit to a Mayfair club before the Scotland match, Cipriani sees himself as the new standard-bearer of the team.

Cipriani's elevation, at the expense of World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson, will ensure the Twickenham crowd are in boisterous mood and the outside-half has promised not to let them down.

He said: "If you look at this squad there is no doubt we can be the best in the world. Last week was a massive disappointment. The mind-set is do-or-die against Ireland.

"This means everything to me and, hopefully, nothing will stop me playing for England. I am going to be bring a bit of youth and a bit of spark to things."

Referring to last week's controversy, he said: "I am not going to change who I am off the pitch but I will learn. In the long run it will stand me in good stead.

"I will think more about how rugby is becoming more high-profile off the field. While I am not going to act differently, I must be aware there may be people who want to take photos. It was a mistake and I was bitterly disappointed and now it's a roller-coaster of emotions.

"I didn't want to think too much about what would happen because it could have driven me crazy. I decided to concentrate on getting back with the squad on Monday, and what will be, will be.

"Brian Ashton has taught me a lesson, thankfully at the age of 20, and it will benefit me.

"Some people may have felt it was harsh but Brian did what he said he would do and brought me back in after a one-match ban.

"I have known him for six years and this hasn't changed my relationship with him. I can't afford to think about last week because I am the England outside-half and there is no better thing for me than a win against Ireland.

"I was upset not to be at Murrayfield but the biggest upset was that England lost."

Cipriani expects to receive plenty of input from Wilkinson, whose three penalties at Murrayfield made him the top points scorer in rugby history on 1,099 but were not enough to retain the No10 jersey.

Wilkinson is taking a philosophical attitude to his omission. He said: "Danny is a great player and has a fabulous future ahead of him.

"My drive is to bring the best out of myself and I will keep going until the fire isn't there. The fires do burn just as brightly inside me and one thing that will never stop is trying to go out and get better as a player."

Cipriani said: "No one can replace Jonny, he's been fantastic. But I have worked really hard in the last six weeks to make sure my basic skills are up to international standard."

Shaun Edwards, Cipriani's mentor at Wasps , will talk to him before Saturday to make sure he is mentally ready for his first England start.

"I am very, very proud of how Danny has developed in the last 18 months and he has earned his just rewards for all that hard work," Edwards said.

"He is the quickest player in the Wasps squad over 20metres, faster than wing Paul Sackey, and I have no doubt he will have the confidence to produce the special skills he has at Test level.

"It will help Danny that he has played against Munster twice in the Heineken Cup for Wasps this season. Ireland are, technically, a very good side and they will punish any mistakes."