Heineken Cup 2012: Cipriani eyes Sale starting spot after Cardiff heroics

Danny Cipriani admits he is hoping his match-winning cameo in Sale Sharks’ 34-33 victory over Cardiff Blues can secure him a regular starting berth.

The 24-year-old scored a 55th-minute try to inspire his side to a narrow victory after coming on as a second-half substitute for Nick MacLeod.

Cipriani has been competing with MacLeod for the fly-half spot in Bryan Redpath’s side since moving to Sale from Melbourne Rebels earlier this year.

“Every player wants to have game time and I’ve just got to fit into what the coach wants and needs,” Cipriani told BBC Radio Manchester.

“Hopefully I put my hand up on Sunday. It’s up to the coach now.”

He added: “Nick is a great player and he wants that number 10 position as much as any player wants to be starting.

“If you’ve got two number 10s who are playing well, that’s better for the team.”

Sale are currently bottom of the Aviva Premiership after losing all six of their opening games this season, but Cipriani hopes their first victory of the season can prompt a winning run.

“It’s something we’ve been longing for as a club,” he said. “I’m sure it’s been frustrating as a fan to watch but they got right behind us when things were going well [in the second half].

“We don’t want to get carried away with the win but we’re hoping we can really move on from here now.”