Danny Cipriani's stay at No10 is threatened by super sub

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13 April 2012

Danny Cipriani, still embroiled in delicate contract talks with London Wasps, was today warned that he faces a fight to hold onto the No10 jersey against super-sub Dave Walder.

Walder, 30, has been man of the match in his last four appearances with his latest cameo coming in the final quarter of the 33-24 win over Saracens, creating three tries to put the defending Guinness Premiership champions in great heart as they prepare to tackle Sale on Boxing Day.

Cipriani moved to full-back so Walder could assume the outside-half duties he has always had to fight to earn. While at Newcastle he was back-up to World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson and having seen Alex King leave Wasps, Walder now finds Cipriani in his way.

Like Cipriani, Walder is out of contract at the end of this season, but unlike the new pin-up boy of the sport his new deal is not headline news.

It is inconceivable Wasps would allow Walder to leave, given his form and ability to handle the mental pressures of being a regular understudy. Shaun Edwards, the Wasps head coach, insists Walder will be chosen ahead of Cipriani if that is the right call.

Edwards said: "Dave knows if we believe he is playing the best then he will be the No10. That is what rugby is all about. Dave is a model professional and a very popular member of the squad and whenever he has suffered an injury - like his broken leg last season - he has been hugely supportive of Danny and also Alex King, when he was still at the club. Dave was already a good pro when he arrived from Newcastle but has worked really hard on his game with us. When he has been able to put a run of games together at No10 he has performed really well and that was particularly true of the Six Nations period last season when he got us through some very tight matches.

"Unfortunately, having been so important at that point, he was then injured when the big games came along. However, he has shown great patience."

Wasps management refuse to discuss contract talks involving more than a dozen high-profile players and bridle at suggestions Cipriani is some way short of his best after a four-month lay-off following an horrific injury. Having been dropped by England last month, Edwards is aware of the negative publicity surrounding the club's hottest property.

"What people have to remember is that on the original recovery programme for what was a horrible ankle break, this is the time when Danny was expected to start playing again," said Edwards. "In fact, he's been back for two months and that's a real positive.

"I was very pleased with Danny's defence against Saracens because we challenged him to be more destructive in this area of his game and it was one of his best performances. Danny is like anyone who has recovered from a bad injury and he needs to get games under his belt and that's been happening."

Walder collected all 19 points in Wasps' home Heineken Cup win over Edinburgh but this was not enough to keep him in the XV against Sarries.

For Walder, the battle with Cipriani is nothing new after going head-to-head with Wilkinson. He said: "I know it's important just to be me. It's about what I can do for Wasps and how I can help Wasps win by playing the way I do.

"I hope to play at Sale. Danny and I are totally different players. He brings probably more attacking flair than I do. When he is on top of his game it is unbelievable to watch and at other times perhaps he can rein it in a bit. I can learn from him and he can learn from me."

Danny Cipriani's stay at No10 is threatened by super sub

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