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Jonny Wilkinson spotted in England camp this week
By Josh Raisey
World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has been seen in the England camp this week as they prepare for their Guinness Six Nations encounter with Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
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The former fly-half has often been spotted with the Eddie Jones’ team over the past few years, but England have now shared a photo of the sagacious 40-year-old in discussion with Owen Farrell and George Ford.
England’s game is so heavily built upon kicking, so having a guru to call upon of the likes of the ex-World Rugby player of the year will help.
Two of England’s three tries against Ireland were from attacking kicks where they consistently took advantage of the disorganisation in the backfield of Andy Farrell’s side.
Similarly, the sole try at Murrayfield was the product of an incisive kick which led to a five-metre scrum.
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With the likes of Jonny May haring down kicks from so many talented players in the backline, be it Farrell, Ford, Elliot Daly or Henry Slade, this has been one of England’s main strengths over the past year, particularly from turnover ball.
It leaves England well equipped with the boot as they seek to secure the Triple Crown for the first time since 2016.
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Wilkinson was also seen with the England team in the build-up to the RWC final last year providing a drop-goal clinic, which conjured memories of his heroic kick in the final stages of the 2003 final.
Words of wisdom from an England legend @JonnyWilkinson #ENGvWAL #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/CpStoBTLZI
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 4, 2020
It wasn’t to be for England in November but against a Wales team that will be typically fired up to face their bitterest rival. After two straight losses for the visitors, the match could come down to fine margins in London.
There are very few people better to hand down advice and mentoring to England’s current kickers than Wilkinson, who has the second-most points in Test history and the most for England (1179 for England and 67 for the British and Irish Lions).
Meanwhile, Farrell is chasing down Wilkinson’s record and has the most points of any active Test player (899 for England and 31 for the Lions).
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