Jonny kicks balls debate into touch

IF JONNY Wilkinson is feeling the pressure in the run-up to England’s World Cup semi-final against France then it has nothing to do with the inflation of the match balls.

England’s fly-half practised with the six to be used at the Stade de France tomorrow, pumped to their optimum efficiency, and then insisted the issue of defective balls at this tournament, raised by New Zealand number 10 Dan Carter and seemingly supported by Wilkinson, had been blown out of all proportion.

Wilkinson, who will be making only his 10th start in an England shirt since his famous drop goal won the Webb Ellis trophy in 2003, said: “The team don’t talk about it. It’s not that big a deal. You just have to get on with the job.

“Has it been blown out of proportion? To how little it is mentioned by the team it probably has, but with regard to kickers it is an important thing.”

The fact, however, is that Wilkinson uncharacteristically missed three kicks against Australia and has appeared to shake his head in bewilderment when the ball has failed to bisect the posts.

Are the misses down to the ball or to Wilkinson? That is the question concerning all England fans.

The man himself said: “It’s impossible to tell. I’ve no idea. All I can go on is what feels right. I’ve enjoyed my practice. On game day, a few have surprised me when they have missed and a few have surprised me when they have gone over.

“But we have had a good opportunity to see the six match balls, which is ideal.

“That’s what all the teams want, to get used to them before the game, to get a bit more understanding of a ball we are unfamiliar with. I am relatively happy with where I am.”

If the great ball mystery is not exactly entirely unravelled, one thing Wilkinson can count upon is the support of 40,000 English fans.

They will be crucial in countering France in their own backyard, especially considering the hosts go in knowing they beat England in their two warm-up matches.

Wilkinson said: “One of the greatest things about the World Cup is the huge amount of honest and unselfish support. It brings out the best in everyone. Driving into the stadium in Marseille was incredible.

“It gives you a huge boost. These are big encounters, especially when you have been away from home for a while.

“Being able to see those faces, that support, the intensity and the atmosphere is great for the mental and physical health of the team. It backs up the pride and the honour which is felt being here to represent your country.”

For Wilkinson, the chance to be involved in his second World Cup final is heightened by the fact he has missed three of the last four years through injury.

In that time, critics have questioned whether he would ever return, let alone be the force of old.

The numbers, however, support the Wilkinson legend. His four penalties against Australia saw him overtake Gavin Hastings’ record World Cup points tally of 227.

Wilkinson now stands on 234 at the top of an elite club which sees Australia’s Michael Lynagh on 195 and New Zealanders Grant Fox on 170 and Andrew Mehrtens on 163.

Wilkinson is also the first player to record 100 points in World Cup knockout matches.

They are the statistics of meticulous preparation and clinical execution. Yet it is the maturing of Wilkinson, from the manic obsessive to a man of philosophical leanings which is most striking.

He explained: “Life was very different four years ago. I’ve played hardly any rugby at all since then.

“Then I was asking myself ‘was I going to be all right? Would I be back here?

“Now I’m here, I’ve been through the mill so many times it has made me sit back and take these occasions for what they are.

“At the Australia game, I was sat in the changing room for once thinking ‘it’s great to be here after all this time’ and thinking I’ve never been so nervous in my life.

“It’s a great experience. Four years ago, if somebody had said you’ve been missing goals, your percentage is not as good, it would have been different.

“But, because of what I’ve been through, I couldn’t care less about that.

“I just care about giving everything to this cause right now and this game, to make sure it sticks in my mind as one worth reliving bearing in mind that after the last three years there might not be another one.”