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Wilkinson: key for England

If his tactical kicking's as it was against Australia - and as it has been for a number of years - then Mils Muliaina and co will crucify England.

Stuart Barnes
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The Rugby Club panel turned the spotlight on England's returning hero Jonny Wilkinson ahead of the clash with Argentina.

The Toulon fly-half made his first start in an England shirt for 18 months in last Saturday's 18-9 defeat to Australia at Twickenham, kicking all of England's points and making 20 tackles in a solid display.

But as England crashed to defeat after running out of steam in the second half, the Rugby Club experts discussed where Wilkinson needs to improve in the remaining autumn internationals.

Argentinean legend Gus Pichot joined the regulars in the studio this week and he said Wilkinson is no longer the force he was when England won the World Cup in 2003.

However, he said that has as much to do with the players around him as it has to do with Wilkinson's own form.

"I admire him. You have a lot of respect as a player and as a personality," Pichot said.

"I think he had a very good game again, but if you're expecting to have a Jonny Wilkinson of seven years ago I think people get it wrong.

"No player is what they used to be, I say that from experience. Maybe you have more experience, a different vision and he can carry on doing some wonderful things.

"But if he doesn't have the help around him he won't be the [same] Jonny Wilkinson.

"At that time and at that stage in time, there was a whole team playing around him."

Competing

Sky Sports pundit Stuart Barnes agreed, suggesting that Martin Johnson has not built the side around Wilkinson as efficiently as Clive Woodward did.

But he also said Wilkinson's tactical kicking must improve if England are to have a chance of competing with New Zealand next week.

"He was a central part of a machine and everyone knew what they were doing," Barnes said of the Wilkinson of 2003.

"Athletes like Ben Cohen and Mike Tindall look great rugby players because Clive Woodward had them slotting into a system.

"On Saturday you saw Shane Geraghty make a little half break and there was no support. These are the little things they've got to address.

"On the Wilkinson subject, I though his footwork was fabulous, his tackling was terrific as we knew it would be and he kicked his goals.

"He may get away with it against Argentina, especially if the weather's bad, but if his tactical kicking's as it was against Australia - and as it has been for a number of years - then Mils Muliaina and co will crucify England."

Failed

Barnes said Wilkinson consistently failed to find touch from non-penalty situations and struggled to get distance or accuracy on his kicks.

And he said Wilkinson must improve or face being outclassed by his opposite number when England meet the All Blacks.

"If we're going to be ruthless here we're comparing him to Daniel Carter," Barnes added.

"Anyone who saw Carter play against Wales would have seen the control of Carter's boot and the length of his kick.

"Wilkinson did really well, I'm not disputing that, but he's got to be a lot better still against Carter."