Rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson speaks out
Jonny Wilkinson finally spoke out and admitted that meanwhile he is going through the painful time on bench he is becoming more prone to come on terms with his new position. After the incredible performances by Toby Flood in last year’s Six Nations and his
good form, Wilkinson lost his desirable number 10 England jersey to his previous protégé.
Toby Flood, the Leicester’s fly half was man of the match in England’s victory against Wales this weekend and has started all the last eight tests for England as number 10.
Wilkinson got a late replacement and affirmed the victory of England by booting a perfect penalty. Something similar happened when Wilkinson made a comeback against Australia in Sydney in a 21-20 victory.
If Martin Johnson wants to make limited use of the legend then of course the output will be limited too. And if this what they will keep on doing till World Cup then England is going to get results from 2003 World cup winner, but not the best of him.
He admitted and spoke out, “It is h**l to sit on the sideline but at the same time it is massively important. Being on the bench brings new lessons for me.”
Wilkinson wants to give in his best to the English side, but at the same time Toby Flood is giving excellent performances. He added, “My desire to play for England is still as great as it was when I won my first cap. I am now in a role where I contribute
slightly differently. It is a massive thing to get the opportunity to go on the field and do something like kicking that late penalty.”
Fans took that last line in sarcasm, considering the huge figure of rugby saying that. Though in reality he meant it and added that this is what all the true rugby players are trained for. “It is why we do it,” he quoted.
If injuries or other mishaps don’t occur, Wilkinson will be appearing in World Cup this year and hopefully as a starting line number 10. England will be having their eyes on Wilkinson to repeat history and bring the silverware home. But it won’t be practically
possible if Martin Johnson will keep him sidelined for that long and provide him no game time.
Though, it was known to him when he signed for Toulon that the situation here at elite squad won’t be the same. And he didn’t have the guts to turn down his club that accepted him after seven years of injury.
He said, “I can't impress upon you enough what a change to my life living in France has made.” He emotionally added, “To play and play and play is crucial for me. It's been a while and there were all kinds of different injuries going on.”
Wilkinson believes that this long period of injury and absence has given him a status that he himself is not even able to properly adjust into. He fears his confidence might perish away, but then again the good memories and his skill can’t be taken away.
He added, “I've learned that if I want to play rugby I can only play it one way or I don't play it at all. My desire is to keep trying to get better and better.”
In England’s next match against Italy, Wilkinson is to be sidelined again till Johnson substitutes him later in the game again. Inside center Riki Flutey and flanker Hendre Flourie are all set to play and might be considered, but Johnson’s repute will give
him a favor in Six Nations for the first time.
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