Danny Cipriani axed for his final game with Wasps
Danny Cipriani has paid a high price for his mistakes at Twickenham last week and been dropped to the bench for tomorrow's Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final with Cardiff Blues.
The London Wasps fly-half, who is heading to Australia for a self-imposed two-year exile at the end of the season, has been denied a start in his final home game for the club.
Cipriani, also out of favour with England, threw an interception pass that led to a Bath try in their 35-19 Guinness Premiership rout last weekend and also kicked for the corner when three points from a penalty would have put his side within striking distance of their opponents.
As a result, Dave Walder has been selected in his place. Former England captain Phil Vickery also returns at tighthead for his first start for the club since undergoing back surgery.
Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has made four changes from the team that lost at Bath and is demanding an improved performance at Adams Park, bringing in Ben Jacobs for Steve Kefu at centre and David Lemi on the wing for Tom Varndell.
Lock Simon Shaw has also been passed fit for the match after struggling with an ankle injury.
"We were bitterly disappointed at the result in last weekend's St George's Day game," said Hanks. "But the semi-final gives us an opportunity to produce a performance which rewards the fans for their support this season and reflects our own character and intent.
"Wasps have a very proud record in this competition and we're extremely focused on maintaining that presence in Europe. Winning trophies is what drives this group intensely.
"It's something that we've done very well over the last decade — but it's not something we take for granted and this group of players is determined to establish its own legacy."
