Danny Cipriani, under fire for his part in England's record defeat, was today backed to keep his place against New Zealand, writes Chris Jones.

Shaun Edwards, the Lions, Wales and Wasps coach, has been a key figure in shaping Cipriani's career and believes the 21-year-old No10 can ride out the storm.

Edwards, defence coach of Wales who were beaten 29-9 by the All Blacks on Saturday, said: "Danny has a lot of confidence in his ability and is a very resolute character.

"He has just come back from a serious injury and knows there are going to be ups and downs. I expect him to have a career that's going to last for 10 to 12 years."

Simon Shaw, an England and Wasps team-mate, is also trying to take some of the heat off Cipriani. He said: "I suffered a similar ankle earlier in my career. It took me 18 months to play my best rugby after regaining fitness.

"As No10 in the England team, he is the guy everyone wants to focus on. Jonny Wilkinson suffered some heavy defeats early in his career and went on to win the World Cup. Cips is phenomenal and can do the same."

Wasps remain second bottom of the Premiership after suffering a 13-12 home defeat by Sale. London Irish look a better bet for a top-six place following their 27-14 victory over Saracens, with 18-year-old Tom Homer scoring two tries. Harlequins continued their poor run at Leicester, losing 27-14.