MARTIN JOHNSON expects Danny Cipriani to feature for England Saxons at the Churchill Cup after easing concerns over his sore ankle.
Reports suggested the British & Irish Lions opted against selecting Cipriani to fill the goalkicking vacancy created by Leigh Halfpenny’s thigh injury after asking him to complete a fitness test.
Lions policy is to only take fully-fit players to South Africa, leading to Cipriani being overlooked and the promotion of James Hook to the squad.
But England manager Johnson insists the Wasps star is responding well to treatment and should be ready for next month’s Churchill Cup.
Johnson said: “Last Thursday Danny came in to see our medical guys. He was a bit sore but fit to play. They didn’t see any reason why Danny couldn’t go on the Saxons tour.
“The Lions made an enquiry about his fitness and our medical team relayed our conversation to them.
“I’m not aware Danny had a fitness test with Lions. They have their criteria of what fitness they want players to be in when they go.
“He’ll be assessed again this week and we’re happy with the progress he’s making.
“If he continues progressing like he is then he’ll be ready for the Saxons. Danny hasn’t played since April 25. He’s sore and had that serious injury with his ankle.”
Cipriani’s involvement with the Saxons guaranteed his absence from the England team to play the Barbarians in Saturday’s non-cap international at Twickenham.
Johnson has included four England debutants in his line-up with six players making their first senior start.
Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw and centre Jordan Turner Hall were rewarded for outstanding seasons that saw them named Guinness Premiership player of the season and young player of the season.
Ben Foden’s versatility was stretched to a third position with his inclusion on the right wing while Bath’s Matt Banahan fills the number 11 jersey.
Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley makes his first senior start while Newcastle prop David Wilson completes the quartet of new arrivals.
There are three survivors from England’s last outing, a 26-12 RBS 6 Nations victory over Scotland, in Delon Armitage, skipper Steve Borthwick and Nick Easter.
World Cup winner Lewis Moody is picked at openside after a 15-month absence while his teammate from 2003, Steve Thompson, is included in an England 22 for the first time since 2006.
“Lewis is as hungry as ever. When he gets onto the pitch he’s enthusiastic,” addedJohnson.
