Leonard confident England can do the business

JASON LEONARD believes England are in a healthier state following the 2007 World Cup than they were after conquering planet rugby four years earlier.

England launch their RBS 6 Nations season against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, with Leonard delivering an upbeat assessment.

The 2003 world champions painfully experienced the so-called wasted years after that spectacular triumph in Australia, losing games at regular intervals and slipping down the world rankings.

But former prop Leonard, who made a record 114 Test appearances for England during a revered international career does not envisage a repeat.

He said: “I think we are in a better position now than we were after the 2003 World Cup.

“I felt very let down by previous England management. From Clive (Woodward) straight after the 2003 World Cup, then Andy Robinson, where we had a transitional period that actually lasted three-and-a-half years until Brian Ashton took over.

“I think with England having got to the last World Cup final, which no-one really expected, it proved we have a core of players that can take us to the latter stages of a competition, whether that be a World Cup or Six Nations.

“I feel more positive about this transitional period than I did four years ago.’’

Meanwhile Jonny Wilkinson could set a new world record during this season’s competition — and Welsh points machine Neil Jenkins admits: “He fully deserves it.”

Wilkinson is closing in on Jenkins’ landmark figure of 1090 points for Wales and the British Lions.

The England superstar needs just 62 points to rewrite Test rugby history.

Jenkins said: “The guy is outstanding. I was lucky enough to be involved with him on the 2001 Lions tour to Australia, and his work ethic is huge.

“Jonny is probably the best — his record speaks for itself. The amount of points he has scored in 65 Tests for England is incredible.

“Yes, he has played in some good sides, but you have still got to score the points and play as well as you can to stay in the team.

Meanwhile, Nick De Luca admits the prospect of making his Scotland debut against France on Sunday is “amazing”.

But the 23-year-old Edinburgh centre will try to put all thoughts about starring in front of a packed Murrayfield to the back of his mind for the rest of the week.

The starting line-up will not be named until Wednesday, and De Luca’s focus is on concentrating on getting through this week in one piece to ensure he is ready if called upon.

“It would obviously be a great honour to get my first cap, especially in such a great tournament against France at home – it would be amazing.”