Jonny Wilkinson looking to cement his place as England’s first choice fly half: 2011 Rugby World Cup
English international professional Rugby Union player, Jonny Wilkinson, has expressed his desire to become England’s first choice fly half in their 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign. He added that he is eyeing a strong performance for England in their
upcoming encounter against Ireland to put up a strong case in front of the selectors.
Wilkinson made his comments after being named in the starting xv by England’s head coach, Martin Johnson, for Saturday’s encounter against the Ireland. Johnson announced his match day squad on Thursday, August 25.
Wilkinson will play in the staring xv at the fly half position for the first time in the last 18 months. His last appearance in the squad came in England’s 15–all draw against Scotland in March 2010.
Since then, he started the game from the bench, as Johnson preferred Toby Flood to the Wilkinson. He has expressed his pleasure on finally getting a game as the first choice fly half.
The 32-year-old Wilkinson added that his time on the bench has helped him to develop his game further. He said, “At the time I probably would have wanted to be in a different role and I may not have been the happiest with it but what I learned - in terms
of coming into late parts of games, needing to try and find solutions or hold onto situations - was invaluable.”
Surrey born Wilkinson scored England’s World Cup wining drop goal against Australia, in their 2003 RWC campaign. Wilkinson’s then captain and current coach Martin Johnson has praised his fly half’s skills and abilities.
Johnson said, “However many Test matches he has played or whatever he has done, he is still out there working harder than anyone to be better - whether it is fitness, kicking, tackling, defending, attacking. That is why he is such a great example to everybody.”
Johnson has also hinted on the possibility that England will stick to this change in the role for their 2011 RWC campaign.
Wilkinson will be playing his fourth consecutive RWC tournament later this year.
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