Will Jonny Wilkinson return for England?

Judgement Day

Jonny Wilkinson puzzle for Martin Johnson



IN HIS second season out of England, Jonny Wilkinson is playing as well as he ever has as he prepares for Toulon’s Heineken Cup debut. It is glad tidings to make English hearts sing.

Or it would be if Martin Johnson were willing to select his former World Cup-winning team-mate and give Wilkinson the freedom at fly-half he has in France but has never had for his country.

Toby Flood is expected to return for Leicester in their European matches next month. But the man he ousted has been playing like a dream as well as amassing match-winning points and – every bit as important – tackling as ferociously as he used to without falling prey to injury.

“He has started this season beautifully and made the difference again for Toulon last weekend,” said Frederic Michalak of Toulouse, who at one time was France’s answer to Wilkinson and at another was called the “anti-Wilkinson”.

“He is the best No10 in France, for sure. It is good for him to be out of England because there is so much pressure on him there. At Toulon it is easy for him. He likes life in France.”

Leaving aside the notion that French rugby could ever be “easy”, Michalak knows that Toulouse’s defence of their European title is complicated by the big spending that has restored Toulon among the French elite.

Owner Mourad Boudjellal has paid a fortune to form a squad from around the world and said he is willing to break the bank to retain Wilkinson’s services when his contract expires at the end of the season.

On the other hand, Boudjellal has also complained that a demand by All Black fly-half Daniel Carter for £860,000 for a short-term contract went too far – which in itself is a compliment to Wilkinson.

Michalak himself went into exile, playing in South Africa for the Sharks before swiftly returning to Toulouse, so he speaks of Wilkinson from personal experience of sorts.

“The Cote d’Azur is nice. The supporters love him and he plays well,” Michalak added. “He is happy in his life and happy on the field. I can understand how he feels. I felt more comfortable and free when I went to South Africa.” This begs the question why Michalak ever went back, but it is incontrovertible that, at 31, Wilkinson is in the form of his life, superior even to last season when he scored 230 points, Toulon finished second and reached the Amlin Challenge Cup final.

From eight games this season he already has 118 points, more than any other Top 14 player. Toulon are fourth to Toulouse’s third and begin their Heineken life receiving the Ospreys on Saturday week before going to Munster a week later – and home and away fixtures with London Irish in December.

Source: Express

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BoarHunter

he needs someone with a brain behind him and England could be very tough to beat at the world cup. But it is a long time from now. Let's hope wilko keeps fit.

thomond2006

He's good enough for the bench.

Flood attacks the gainline and plays flat so he must start IMO.

anonymous_joe

He's playing really well in France.

You'd be some fool not to have him in the squad.

PhatPiggins

England have regressed with him at 10 since he came back into the team imo. He'll keep every game close but he's practically paralell with Foden when at first receiver. Whether or not he was standing so deep under instruction (Flood never does) or choice I don't know. They'll never get anywhere with MJ anyway but he'll be in the squad till he dies .

[Jackass]

I'm trying my best to not like Toulone, but they have some awesome players and play some amazing rugby, the way it should be player.

Wilkinson has been spectacular at 10, I think he has added to his tackle brillance and ferocious defence as well as flawless goal kicking, but has taken on individual attacking flair to the extent I don't think we've ever seen from him before, which for my money was what seperated Carter from Wilkinson, but he really has developed his game.

I think France is good for him and it suits him, I hope he doesn't return to English league, but hope he does for England. I'd like to see more of Sexton v Wilkinson. I think playing against players like that makes you a better player.

On a side note, it was touted last season that Leinster might sign Michelack, and for the record, I think he would have been the perfect replacement for Contepomi...very similar player, even with flakeyness, but when he's good, he's one of the best in the world, with the added bonus of being able to play scrum half he could have been the cover for Reddan and also Sexton could still start with Michelack at 9...

I think he was one that got away...we got Beirne and Boss instead....

danthefan

thomond2006 wrote: »

He's good enough for the bench.

Flood attacks the gainline and plays flat so he must start IMO.

+1

Wilkinson sitting 15m behind the giainline is no good to anyone.

BoarHunter

[Jackass] wrote: »

On a side note, it was touted last season that Leinster might sign Michelack, and for the record, I think he would have been the perfect replacement for Contepomi...very similar player, even with flakeyness, but when he's good, he's one of the best in the world, with the added bonus of being able to play scrum half he could have been the cover for Reddan and also Sexton could still start with Michelack at 9...

I think he was one that got away...we got Beirne and Boss instead....

Michalak is in the TOP5 best paid player in the Top14. Don't think he ever considered playing in magners rugby.

twinytwo

danthefan wrote: »

+1

Wilkinson sitting 15m behind the giainline is no good to anyone.

back in the day he wasnt half bad with the ball in hand.. granted no carter but not bad. I dont know what is with him standing so far back maybe its a mental thing or something. As for the England team if they go with the likes of foden and ashton would he have the pace to keep up?