Wilkinson: England learned from Scots defeat

JONNY WILKINSON admits England’s defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield two years ago was one of the most painful experiences of his career. The England fly-half broke the world record for international points on that filthy afternoon in Edinburgh but there was nothing else for him to smile about.

England, World Cup finalists only five months previously, were desperate. They were beaten 15-9 and Wilkinson was hauled off with 11 minutes remaining.

To compound his misery, Wilkinson was then dropped for only the second time in a 12-year international career as then England coach Brian Ashton turned to Danny Cipriani. But, two years on, Cipriani is now persona non grata and bound for Melbourne while Wilkinson is heading back to Murrayfield, convinced he is a stronger player for the setback.