Danny Cipriani may be eyeing the England number 10 jersey but he is no certainty to even play fly half for Melbourne Rebels.
The former England playmaker stated after his appearance for the Barbarians on the weekend that he was going to be the fly half for the Rebels in the 2012 Super Rugby season.
He declared he would start there, with new recruit James O'Connor at number 12, captain Stirling Mortlock at outside centre and another prized signing Kurtley Beale at full-back.
But with O'Connor completely outplaying Cipriani in his first start as Wallabies fly half as the Australians trumped the Barbarians 60-11 at Twickenham, the import has some serious competition.
Melbourne coach Damien Hill says no jerseys are locked in.
"It's great to hear Danny so enthusiastic but with all respect to him, it's not how we work here," Hill said.
"We select players based on performance, behaviours, the talent we have available; there's going to be some selection challenges ahead.
"It's going to be what's best for the team."
Hill was impressed by O'Connor's commanding performance and says he is an option at fly half.
"Definitely. He's shown himself now at 10, 12 on the wing and at full-back so he's a talented player," Hill said.
"James' work in the contact was excellent, he's ability to direct the play, his offloads, just his general go-forward was excellent."
Hill says it is unfair to compare O'Connor and Cipriani because of the latter's lack of preparation in an unfamiliar team that was soundly beaten.
AAP
Tags: rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000 First posted November 29, 2011 16:46:34
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