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Kyran Bracken predicts Danny Cipriani will be omitted by England

Image: Cipriani: Set for disappointment, says Bracken

Former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken believes enigmatic fly-half Danny Cipriani will miss out on a Six Nations recall.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for Sale this season and with Owen Farrell and George Ford battling for the starting role in Stuart Lancaster's side, many feel Cipriani should be included as the third stand-off in the squad ahead of England's tournament opener against Wales on February 6.

It's a shame really because he's such a talent. He's got a lovely left boot and he played well in New Zealand. I'm just not sure he fits into the Lancaster mould.
Kyran Bracken

Bracken, however, feels the philosophy of head coach Stuart Lancaster does not suit Cipriani's ambitious style of play and foresees similar disappointment for Harlequins No 8 Nick Easter, who is also hoping for a recall in the wake of the broken leg suffered by Ben Morgan.

Bracken told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ: "I think the thing about Cipriani is you either love him or your hate him. He's mercurial and he's different and he can do things on the hoof. Some people might say he's not as much of a team player as Stephen Myler.

"The fact that Cipriani has had his chance over the years and probably hasn't settled in the England shirt means I think Stuart Lancaster will go with someone like Myler, who is tried and tested and a bit safer.

"It's a shame really because he's such a talent. He's got a lovely left boot and he played well in New Zealand. I'm just not sure he fits into the Lancaster mould.

"The thing about Nick Easter is that he's been in form for a long time. Not just this year but last year and the year before. There was always the question: Why is this man not playing for England?

"One of the potential reasons is his age. He's 36 now and he's got to that age where the young guys should come through. I imagine Lancaster will go for Billy Vunipola to fill in at No 8.

"To see Easter performing week in week out for his club, it feels such a shame that he hasn't had a chance with this England side. Unfortunately for him, I think the boat has sailed."

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