Wilkinson

davyjose

3 years ago Jonny Wilkinson was injured, and hasn't really ever recovered to a significant level since. There's no disputing that in his day he was one of the game's great fly-halves, but does his inclusion in England's squad for the 6 Nations just smack of desperation? And just highlight the lack of cover they have in this position?

Peter B

Reckon lack of cover, but if there was a chance he could be repaired soon and fully fit he could prove useful (if even to avoid wodden spoon:D )

GreenHell

Apparently he'll be back after the scottish game, you gota feel sorry for the guy genuine talent.

zAbbo

Peter B wrote:

Reckon lack of cover, but if there was a chance he could be repaired soon and fully fit he could prove useful (if even to avoid wodden spoon:D )

He's included because of who he was, not on form, and he's not fit for the Scotland game either.

Whats the alternatives - Toby Flood or young Geraghty (exiles)

davyjose

Part of me thinks it isn't such a bad idea. If, for definite, he were not to get injured again (big if though), this would give him enough time with the squad in time for the WC. Also having someone like JW in the squad might take a lot of pressure off Flood, who presumably will play the Lions share of 6 Nations games for England this year.
But a bigger part of me says England are literally out of options and are just praying that Jonny will make a miraculous return. Part of me hopes he does. It's sad to see a guy of such class forced out of the game, and it's sad to see the game deprived of him.

Diamondmaker

davyjose wrote:

but does his inclusion in England's squad for the 6 Nations just smack of desperation? And just highlight the lack of cover they have in this position?

Yes!

Look at Charlie, completely unable to boss and control a game. Goode is also very flakey neither are consistent.

Geraghty is no world class OH yet so If I were eng selectors Id like one of Charlie or Goode ( prefranly Goode in my op ) and Jonny as back up if the guys are having a shocker. ( which they both seem to do often club and country )

Goes to show that ROG would be a shoe in for 1st team England play and Geraghtys declaring for England may indicate he feels he has a better chance getting a game there!

buck65

I think O Gara is a shoe in for any team except NZ. Would love to see Wilkinson back. An absolute class act and inspirational figure, personally I would rate Goode slightly above the others.

Chucky the tree

I dont know if ROG would make the austrailia team, mightnt even make the Argientina team either.

davyjose

Chucky the tree wrote:

I dont know if ROG would make the austrailia team, mightnt even make the Argientina team either.

Leinster would swap him either, however this is largely down to the style they play (he's almost an extra centre). For the style of Rugby that England (try to) play, ROG would be a national hero if he played for them. He is certainly the best European FH at the moment, and I think is better than Larkham. It's very easy, with the way Rugby is played these days and the advent of the 'wide game', to overlook what a brilliant tactical kicker can bring to a team, such as a world cup (2003).

Diamondmaker

looks like Dewi and Stuart fancy none of the above, Flood.

Nice0ne

ROG is world-class now because he has had time to develop his game. He plays a very inteligent game and doesn't miss many opportunities to put the ball behind the defence, something which a lot of outhalfs don't do well enough.

As regards england's options, they're choosing two undeveloped outhalfs because they're system hasn't produced world-class players. Wilkinson was good when protected by his forwards but he's been crocked since then. Who would expect these two young lads to bring england through the six nations without them being battered all over the place?