World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson admits he is learning to live with the "hell" of being on the bench for England.
World Cup winner learning to live with the 'hell' of being on the bench
World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson admits he is learning to live with the "hell" of being on the bench for England.
Wilkinson, so often England's hero in the past, has had to get used to playing second fiddle to his former protégé Toby Flood.
Flood was the man of the match for the RBS Six Nations opener against Wales and has now started the last eight Tests at fly-half.
That has relegated Wilkinson to cameo appearances, with the Toulon fly-half kicking a late penalty to seal the win in Cardiff while he was also on target as England recorded a 21-20 victory over Australia in Sydney.
And Wilkinson insists that he has accepted his new role within the team.
"It is hell sat on the sideline but at the same time it is massively important. Being on the bench brings new lessons for me," Wilkinson said.
"My desire to play for England is still as great as it was when I won my first cap. I am now in a role where I contribute slightly differently.
"It is a massive thing to get the opportunity to go on the field and do something like kicking that late penalty (against Wales).
Crucial
"It is what you train for and it is what you live for. It is why we do it."
Wilkinson, fitness permitted, is almost certain to go to the World Cup with England later this year - although his time on the international stage could fast be coming to an end.
With England set to introduce a new policy of only selecting players based at domestic clubs, Wilkinson either has to return home or admit his time is up.
However, having signed a new deal and seen his career revived in France, Wilkinson is not about to turn his back on Toulon.
"I can't impress upon you enough what a change to my life living in France has made," Wilkinson said.
"To play and play and play is crucial for me. It's been a while and there were all kinds of different injuries going on.
"Seven years of coming in for cameo appearances has thrown me around in a way I don't think I'll ever understand fully.
"Your confidence goes with all these things. It has been an interesting journey for me.
"I've learned that if I want to play rugby I can only play it one way or I don't play it at all. My desire is to keep trying to get better and better.
"It would mean a huge amount to me to play in a fourth World Cup. I'm in it for the long run and I will give it all I've got and nothing less."
