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England fly-half Danny Cipriani delighted with his progress on tour of New Zealand

 Danny Cipriani of England breaks clear with the ball during the match between the Crusaders and England at the AMI Stadium
Image: Danny Cipriani; Earned praise for his display in England's win over the Crusaders

Fly-half Danny Cipriani says he is delighted with the progress he has made during England's tour of New Zealand.

Cipriani played a pivotal role in England’s 38-7 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch on Tuesday, landing three out of four conversion attempts, kicking well and setting up the first try for Joe Gray.

He is likely to be named on the bench for Saturday’s third and final Test with the All Blacks, with Freddie Burns starting at fly-half in place of the injured Owen Farrell.

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Cipriani’s reintegration to the England squad after a six-year exile has been a success, and the Sale Sharks star is now hoping to win his ninth cap on Saturday.

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"I've learnt an awful lot from the coaches and I played with a confidence against the Crusaders that I can learn from," Cipriani said.

"The confidence is what the coaches are instilling in us and that's put me in good stead for next season and to have a big pre-season.

"The short-term goal of everyone in that squad is to try to get into the Saturday team, but everyone in the squad is going to come away from this tour knowing that they've learnt a lot and improved as a player. I certainly feel like I have.

"England are developing something great, just with the DNA and culture that's been provided.

"You can see from the performances in the first and second Test that England are going in the right direction and everyone can be proud of what's going on so far."

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