Wilkinson looking for more of the same against Tonga

ENGLAND have started dusting themselves down for part two of their World Cup-defining Polynesian double header, with Jonny Wilkinson declaring: “exactly the same rules will apply.”

After sending Samoa crashing out of the tournament, England must administer a knockout blow to Tonga at Parc des Princes next Friday night or face pool stage elimination themselves.

But such an unthinkable scenario – a fate not experienced by any previous reigning rugby world champion – has rescinded when compared with the gloom and despair that accompanied England’s record tournament defeat against South Africa nine days ago.