South Africa vs England preview: Nathan Hughes excited about return of ‘world-class’ Danny Cipriani

Hughes reckons England will profit from the presence of a player who rejected lucrative offers from France and Japan to keep his international dream alive

Nathan Hughes believes former Wasps team-mate Danny Cipriani is ready to mark his international return by orchestrating the end of England's losing run.

Eddie Jones' men conclude an unsuccessful tour of South Africa in Saturday's third and final Test at Newlands, having already surrendered the series and extended their winless streak to five matches.

England's head coach has reacted to events at Free State Stadium last weekend by selecting Cipriani at fly-half at the expense of George Ford in what will be the 30-year-old's first start since 2008.

Having fallen in and out of favour with a succession of Jones' predecessors, Cipriani has finally convinced the Australian that he is no longer the divisive figure once viewed as a disruptive influence.

And Hughes reckons England will profit from the presence of a player who rejected lucrative offers from France and Japan to keep his international dream alive.

"Danny is a world-class player," the Fijian-born Wasps number eight said. "I've played with him for two years and before that I played against him.

"As an attacking player, he's very hard to defend against. He's a had a good week and a good camp and now he has the opportunity to start.

"We've been hanging around a lot together for the two years he's spent at Wasps. People say things about Danny but they're not true.

"If you spend time with him you learn that he has a lot of time for people and he wants to get to know you and how you're feeling. That's what I love about him.

"Danny never gave up on England and has worked really hard to get back in the team.

"I'm so excited to see him get the chance to perform this week because I know that's what he'll do."

Nathan Hughes has thrown his support behind Danny Cipriani (Getty)

Cipriani's artistry with the ball that identifies him as the nation's most gifted attacking fly-half will count for nothing, however, if his pack continue to be over-run - a theme of the Tests in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein.

England have bristled with intent behind the scrum, especially in the opening quarter, only to be bullied by the Springbok forwards.

Hughes, who has replaced the injured Billy Vunipola, accepts it is the duty of the pack to provide ball needed to overthrow the hosts.

"Us forwards have to match them up front," Hughes said. "South Africa have got a big pack, but if we can win the gainline and put our backs on the front foot, we've got a good back line that can score tries.

Danny Cipriani will start at fly-half in the final Test (Getty)

"Danny will be running the show so if we can give him a good platform then it will be a great day in the office.

"Everyone is disappointed by the result of the series. We came here with the goal to win and it didn't go our way, but everyone still has the determination to turn it around.

"We want to finish the season on a high and if we can put on a great performance and get the win, we'd be happy with that."