During the opening game of New Zealand’s 2002 tour of Europe England legend Jonny Wilkinson produced one of the greatest performances of his career at Twickenham.
The young playmaker bagged 21 points with every type of score in front of 80,000 fans including a try, drop goal and a host of penalties and conversions.
The playmaker also assisted flanker Lewis Moody for a try in the first half while his try after the break is still regarded as one of the Twickenham greats.
As well as dominating the score card, Wilkinson was immaculate with his clearing kicks under pressure and flawless in defence which helped the home side to a tight 31-28 win. Full match highlights are available below:
Despite playing with a depleted squad, the New Zealand side featured some all-time greats including Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Doug Howlett and Carlos Spencer.
The All Blacks went on to draw 20-20 with France in Paris a week later before rolling over the Welsh in Cardiff 17-43 to round off a mixed set of results across the three-Test tour.
Wilkinson earned 91 caps for England over a 13-year period and is second in the all-time Test match points scorers behind Dan Carter, making him a true legend of the game.
As well an illustrious international career, Wilkinson’s legacy at French side Toulon saw him play a key role in one of the greatest club sides of all time, winning back-to-back Heineken Cup titles in 2013 and 2014.
He joined the French giants in May 2009 after 12 years with Newcastle Falcons making it one of the biggest profile transfers of the decade. From there Wilkinson made 141 appearances for Toulon where he became a fan favourite in the south of France.
Five years later Wilkinson retired from professional rugby and has since gone on to hold several consultancy roles with England under current head coach Eddie Jones.
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