Danny
27-01-2005, 07:32 AM
Wilkinson on the mend
From correspondents in London
January 27, 2005
Fox Sports
JONNY Wilkinson says he is confident of returning to England action during the Six Nations tournament.
But his latest injury problem will see him miss the world champions' opening games with Wales and France.
The Newcastle fly-half has not played international rugby since his extra-time drop goal saw England win the World Cup final aganst Australia in Sydney 14 months ago.
He was intially sidelined by neck and shoulder injuries before a bicep problem halted his return. And his woes continued with knee ligament trouble that has affected his left leg – the one he uses for place-kicking.
But speaking at the official Six Nations launch at Church House, Westminster, Wilkinson said: "I am coming on really well. The physios at England and Newcastle are as happy as they could possibly be at this point of the recovery.
"It is really good news. I am really eager to get back playing, but also to make sure the recovery is thorough. My left leg is my kicking leg, and I don't really want any chronic knee problems hanging around if I am going to be smashing balls around for a couple of hours a day.
"Overall, it is massively positive, considering the circumstances, and all I can do is try to get back.
"It happened two and-a-half weeks ago and the limit was then set of six to eight weeks, which is the second-half of the Six Nations," he added.
"All I can do is free myself up for selection and then see what people want to do with me, whether they want to play me or leave it. I am just concentrating on doing my bit, which is the rehab."
This year's Six Nations is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory with England, defending champions France, Ireland and Wales all harbouring realistic title hopes.
Wilkinson, one of several senior England players injured - with fellow World Cup-winners Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall and Richard Hill among those sidelined - is optimistic about his team's chances.
"I am really excited about England's prospects because of the players we have and the ability, confidence and enthusiasm that is there," he said.
"There might be some new faces, and I am sure the guys will take their opportunity massively."
But with England facing a potentially tricky first game away to Wales in Cardiff on February 5, Wilkinson warned: "There is no hiding in the Six Nations, whatsoever, for any team.
"Every game is one of those when you could be on the wrong end of the scoreline, regardless of whether it is France at home, Wales away or anyone.
"That is important to the success of the Six Nations, and also letting England find a marker of where we stand in terms of how we are coming on as a side," he added.
Sale full-back Jason Robinson is set to continue as England captain in Wilkinson's absence.Wilkinson on the mend
From correspondents in London
January 27, 2005
Fox Sports
JONNY Wilkinson says he is confident of returning to England action during the Six Nations tournament.
But his latest injury problem will see him miss the world champions' opening games with Wales and France.
The Newcastle fly-half has not played international rugby since his extra-time drop goal saw England win the World Cup final aganst Australia in Sydney 14 months ago.
He was intially sidelined by neck and shoulder injuries before a bicep problem halted his return. And his woes continued with knee ligament trouble that has affected his left leg – the one he uses for place-kicking.
But speaking at the official Six Nations launch at Church House, Westminster, Wilkinson said: "I am coming on really well. The physios at England and Newcastle are as happy as they could possibly be at this point of the recovery.
"It is really good news. I am really eager to get back playing, but also to make sure the recovery is thorough. My left leg is my kicking leg, and I don't really want any chronic knee problems hanging around if I am going to be smashing balls around for a couple of hours a day.
"Overall, it is massively positive, considering the circumstances, and all I can do is try to get back.
"It happened two and-a-half weeks ago and the limit was then set of six to eight weeks, which is the second-half of the Six Nations," he added.
"All I can do is free myself up for selection and then see what people want to do with me, whether they want to play me or leave it. I am just concentrating on doing my bit, which is the rehab."
This year's Six Nations is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory with England, defending champions France, Ireland and Wales all harbouring realistic title hopes.
Wilkinson, one of several senior England players injured - with fellow World Cup-winners Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall and Richard Hill among those sidelined - is optimistic about his team's chances.
"I am really excited about England's prospects because of the players we have and the ability, confidence and enthusiasm that is there," he said.
"There might be some new faces, and I am sure the guys will take their opportunity massively."
But with England facing a potentially tricky first game away to Wales in Cardiff on February 5, Wilkinson warned: "There is no hiding in the Six Nations, whatsoever, for any team.
"Every game is one of those when you could be on the wrong end of the scoreline, regardless of whether it is France at home, Wales away or anyone.
"That is important to the success of the Six Nations, and also letting England find a marker of where we stand in terms of how we are coming on as a side," he added.
Sale full-back Jason Robinson is set to continue as England captain in Wilkinson's absence.Wilkinson on the mend