French ace Betsen pays tribute to ‘simply the best’ Wilkinson

FRANCE flanker Serge Betsen has dubbed Jonny Wilkinson “an example of professionalism and perseverance” as he prepares to renew hostilities with his old England rival in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

Wilkinson and Betsen know each other well, and have had more than one battle royale in recent years.

Betsen gave the Newcastle fly-half the roughest of rides in an RBS 6 Nations match in 2002, harrying him from start to finish in a masterful back-row performance at the Stade de France.