Danny Cipriani: ‘For me it’s always been about playing for England,’ says returning fly-half

Cipriani’s attitude, his Achilles heel to some of his coaches, has been “first class” on this trip, according to Jones.

“He has gone about his business, tried to improve his game, and he’s been rewarded this week,” said the England boss.

“Cipriani is not a young boy, he’s been around the block. He’s a lot more mature than he was, so he’ll be able to adjust.

“He doesn’t have to impress, just do his job. He’s got to be the bus driver and the conductor.”

Monye added: “On Saturday, we are going to see the talent of the man but also the development of his personality, which doesn’t get spoken about a huge amount with Danny.

“You can’t take anything away from the fact that he has been in the trenches, dug hard, with his tin hat on, been around the globe, to come back and find himself playing for England.

“That is testament to his character, his dedication, and his professionalism.”

After five Test defeats in a row, the pressure is building on Jones; it would be some irony if a player for so long surplus to requirements now helped to preserve the head coach’s position.

“This is the whole reason I have ever played rugby – to represent England,” Cipriani said. “A lot has gone on [in the last 10 years], but I am hoping a lot more is going to go on in the next 10.”

And while Cipriani and his supporters may think of what might have been with England, they should also reflect with great pride on his refusal to slope off quietly into the wilderness.