Wilko returns to training
24 May 2007
Jonny Wilkinson has overcome a viral infection to rejoin the England squad as they prepare for the Springbok challenge at the weekend.
The World Cup hero had skipped the previous sessions due to the illness which still has a couple of players sidelined. James Simpson-Daniel and David Strettle did not train on Wednesday due to the infamous ‘Norovirus’, which effects the stomach and lasts for a couple of days. Both players are expected to play this Saturday.
Wilkinson is so often the key figure for England, but in a squad lacking many first choice players, his performance will become even more significant. However, hooker Mark Regan confirmed their would be no excuses and this side would be giving it all for queen and country come Saturday.
“It’s a massive challenge, but the reason you play the game is because it’s all about challenges,” he told reporters at the team’s hotel. “Personally, you can’t get any bigger than playing South Africa – the most physical team in world rugby – in their own back yard.
“At the end of the day, it will be a test of everyone’s character, but we’ve been down to Bloemfontein before with an England side and won. I was involved in that game, so we are looking at the positives.”
Beating the Boks with a depleted side will be a huge upset, and nobody has given this England side much hope. Regan sees it as a great opportunity.
“It is a chance for everyone to go away as possible heroes. People here could generate something special and achieve something special. It is a big ask, and if we do it, it would be a massive achievement.
“You have just got to do your best, and for this team to perform well in an England jersey. It’s not about the guys back home, it is about the guys who are here today,” he said.
10 Comments
24 May 2007, 07:39 am
So Wilko was able to do an interview without a tractor falling on him. That’s an ominous sign.
24 May 2007, 08:13 am
Wilko is the tractor.
He might be injury prone but a match winner.
Liefling is lucky he will not be exposed as an amature on Saturday. Wilkos boot is far more educated
24 May 2007, 08:28 am
I agree.
Jonny Wilkinson and Daniel Carter are on a par to me as the best two flyhalves in the world.
Liefling can be damn lucky he isnt playing.
24 May 2007, 09:27 am
‘Wilkinson gets the ball, decides to run, tries on the inside….BANG he lies flat on the ground losing the ball forward, yip Butch just butchered up the guy, eina!’
Wilkinson is world class, but Butch can always anytime just ram him down, providing that butch keeps it legal.
24 May 2007, 09:35 am
Just before England’s first scrum, Big Vic is going to whisper quickly in Butch’s ear: “Butch, as Johnny gets the ball, take him down like you did me in the last weeks final – that was ouch man”
Unfortunately Johnny is not as tough as Victor and may not get up again without a stretcher.
24 May 2007, 09:36 am
#3 Wilko is way better than Carter. Carter dies under pressure and is nowhere to be seen, think Rustenburg last year and Loftus this year to name a few. Carter is awesome behind an awesome pack but can’t play going backwards, unlike Wilko who can single handedly win a game going backwards all day.
24 May 2007, 09:52 am
Viral infection? What’s the next entry in Jonny Sicknote’s medical file? Rabies?
24 May 2007, 14:57 pm
Many ppl are underestimating wilko’s general play. He can also run and tackle hard. Its goin to be a stormer of a game. Just need more supporters to get there and shout the boks on. GO the BOKKE
24 May 2007, 21:00 pm
6
To name a few… haha, those games Carter played well in! Rustenburg last year he scored a try and had very good overall game, Loftus this year he broke for the only line break by the Crusaders and played well individually…
The only ‘poor games’ I recall him playing were against the Brumbies in Canberra this year and Cape Town in 2005.
25 May 2007, 03:40 am
snol – you wish
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