EDF Energy Cup - : Cipriani to go head to head with Wilkinson

Wasps fly hlaf Danny Cipriani

Cipriani to go head to head with Wilkinson

29 November 2007, 2:21 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

The excitement surrounding this weekend�s winner-take-all EDF Energy Cup tie between London Wasps and Newcastle Falcons stepped up a gear today with the news that England fly half Jonny Wilkinson will go head to head with Wasps No10 Danny Cipriani, tipped by many in the game as the coming man, when the two sides meet at Adams Park on Saturday.

Newcastle's Director of Rugby, John Fletcher was quoted in The Guardian today confirming that both Wilkinson and Toby Flood would start the game.

“We definitely have Jonny and Toby back fit for Saturday and both will start the game," said Fletcher. "Jonny was very close for last weekend's Premiership game at Wasps after his ankle injury."

Meanwhile, Wasps Head Coach Shaun Edwards confirmed today that Cipriani would start at No10 for Wasps.
“It’s a big challenge for Danny, playing against the incumbent England fly half,” said Edwards.
“Danny realises he has to be at his absolute best to compete at that level and be successful, both in attack and defence.”

Cipriani himself is also looking forward to the challenge of playing against one of English rugby’s biggest heroes,
Said Cipriani: “Jonny is obviously a legend of the game and someone I grew up admiring. I worked with him in the England camp this summer, and it was a fantastic opportunity to learn from someone with his experience and skill. That was a great experience, but now I’m focussed on Saturday and getting the result with Wasps. We will need an edge about us to take on a very good Falcons team and be successful, but I believe we have that edge and I’m really looking forward to the game.”

Both sides are also confident that they will be fielding some big guns up front on Saturday. Wasps are expecting to name England captain Phil Vickery in their starting line for the first time since the prop returned from the Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, Newcastle have strongly hinted that new signing, All Black Carl Hayman, touted as the best prop in world rugby, will also be named in their squad for the weekend.

Tickets to see London Wasps take on Newcastle in the EDF Energy Cup at Adams Park on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm are still available. To buy tickets call 0870 414 1515 or buy on line at www.wasps.co.uk