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.