Wilko sounds warning to cynics
31 Jan 2007
Jonny Wilkinson says he is better player than he was in 2003.
Wilkinson famously sunk the drop goal that won England the World Cup but hasn’t played Test rugby since.
It however took him just 40 minutes for Newcastle at the weekend to convince England coach Brian Ashton that he was ready to return to the international fold.
But Ashton’s decision to start him against Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday came as a major surprise.
“I’m not one to doubt myself. I’m not a brash individual but I’d not be here if I didn’t believe I was ready,” Wilkinson told BBC Sport.
“I’ve added a few more skills to my bow. With age I have gained a greater level of composure and I see things and play the game more simply.”
“There was surprise but if I didn’t believe I could do it there would be more surprise.
“I am quiet and capable and I believe in myself. There is no difference in my approach mentally and physically from 2003 but I’m a different player.”
England no doubt need a “different player” from those they have tried in the No 10 shirt recently.
Charlie Hodgson and Andy Goode were ordinary in England’s year-end Test series, while Toby Flood is too inexperienced to be considered as a first-choice pivot for the World Cup.
Ashton’s bullish talk suggests all his money is on Wilkinson to stay fit for the World Cup.
“I’ve been his mentor this season. I’ve seen him play four games and every game he has played better than the last,” Ashton said.
“He is a much better player now than in the World Cup final in 2003. His game understanding and his intelligence is at a higher level.
“It is a logical selection for where English rugby is at the moment.”
19 Comments
31 Jan 2007, 10:04 am
“It is a logical selection for where English rugby is at the moment.â€
And where is English Rugby right now?
Exactly.
31 Jan 2007, 10:05 am
1st among equals. And still talking to myself Koos.
31 Jan 2007, 10:36 am
Wat praat die ou ? wanneer laas het hy rugby gespeel. Iets fout met die ou , twee games in die 6N en hy is weer beseer.
31 Jan 2007, 10:45 am
how can he possibly be better? he hasn’t played top flight rugby in ages. the poms are grasping at straws.
31 Jan 2007, 10:46 am
England will get no where in the 6N . They will never be the team of 4 years ago. Sorry guys , will have to start all over again.
31 Jan 2007, 10:55 am
The game has moved on quite a bit since Jonny last played international rugby. Jonny is going to struggle big time, but not for too long as something suley will break on his frail body.
31 Jan 2007, 11:19 am
Johny comes lately only after all the drama and **** rugby england played last year
31 Jan 2007, 11:55 am
I see JW isnt the only one feeding the rugby public ****. Scant consilation
31 Jan 2007, 12:23 pm
*concilation
31 Jan 2007, 12:47 pm
Sadly Jonny I foresee the Scots doing you and your team again this year.
31 Jan 2007, 13:11 pm
and Carter is still your BAAS!!!!!
31 Jan 2007, 13:16 pm
Seems “Greatest13gerber” is the only muppet posting who voices his opinion as “I forsee”. The rest of you see it as fact that JW will fail will get injured and that scotland will do the business against England.
Lets wait and see shall we ….
Trouble is all you Saffers support SA and anyone playing England and possibly Australia.
31 Jan 2007, 13:35 pm
in addition to your last comment Jester, a lot of people also support anyone playing WP or Natal.
I hope JW does play well, because it be good for World rugby..The way things are going at the moment, rugby dominace is looking very black.
I hope I’m wrong.
31 Jan 2007, 14:07 pm
where is jannes when you need him …
31 Jan 2007, 14:57 pm
Good comment G13Gerber…. Its good for any class player to get back to match playing levels regardless of nationality. The world game needs it.
31 Jan 2007, 14:57 pm
Jester,
and exactly the same goes all English supporters, why should we support them?
As for Jonny, good player, but talk is cheap, how many comebacks already.
31 Jan 2007, 15:24 pm
How would he know if he is a better player?
Don’t you have to play to be a player and then only be able to measure yourself?
31 Jan 2007, 16:05 pm
#8 and #9,
two spelling errors in succession. it’s “consolation”.
1 Feb 2007, 01:30 am
The whole problem with Rugby’s aging elite is that fools and fanatics are always so sure of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubt.
So King John, if you didn’t already know mate, success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal!!
So do yourself a favour, and QUIT now!!!!
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