Jonny Wilkinson coming off the bench could be Englands ultimate weapon
With Toby Flood’s excellent run of form, Martin Johnson has been left with somewhat of a quandary – what to do with Jonny Wilkinson? There is no doubt that Flood is in the form stand off in the country, but it always hard to ignore the massive shadow cast by Jonny, sitting on the bench. Wilkinson is the man that has driven England to the last two World Cup finals; in 2003, he was the crowning piece of a championship calibre squad, filled with English rugby heroes and in 2007, he was the cart mule, kicking an average side to a World Cup final. So what will be his role in 2011?
It certainly appears that he will be taking a backseat as Flood seems to have undoubtedly taken hold of the ten shirt after another consummate performance against Wales. However, Wilkinson offers Johnson a massive get out of jail free card should Flood underperform; he has a true professional, who will always be in shape and ready to go when called upon.
Wilkinson lacks Flood’s flat running and quick hands out of the tackle but makes up for that with his pinpoint kicking, both at goal and out of hand. He can be either the security blanket when things are wrong or the reinforcement when things are going well. What should not be ignored is Wilkinson’s desire to start for his country; he will hate being on the bench and will no doubt do all he can to regain the shirt he has worn for the last two World Cups. However, right now it is Flood’s shirt to lose, but Wilkinson will always be there should the Flood gates open.
