The hype surrounding England’s greatest ever flyhalf is unavoidable. Few can believe that Jonny Wilkinson is still the real deal after all he’s been through. We’ll find out soon enough, as England play Australia this coming Saturday.
As if they needed any more publicity, Wilkson’s much publicised comeback has had the eyes of the world on his new club Toulon in the south of France.
His form in the Top 14 and Challenge Cup (now the Amlin Cup) has meant that he could well be injury ravaged England’s saviour this weekend, playing Test rugby for the first time since March 2008.
Wallaby coach Robbie Deans is all too aware of that, stating that he thinks an England side with Wilkinson is a far more threatening prospect than without.
“I don’t imagine he’ll have changed much as a player,” says Deans.
“We believe England will be more dangerous with Jonny there. He’ll bring a lot of shape to their game. His influence on his peers will be valuable in terms of the confidence he’ll bring to them.
“We expect to meet England at their best – and know that Jonny will contribute to that,” he added.
Wilkinson scored this fantastic try against Bourgoin in the Top 14 last weekend, identifying the space in front of him, and showing incredible fleet-footedness for a guy who’s been through so much physically. That step at the end was superb as he left the defender for dead.
Great try, great player. It should be a great match on Saturday. We’ll have all the best bits for you following the match, right here on Rugbydump.com.
Time:
01:27
Sign In