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Records beckoning for Jonny
29/01/2008 16:54 - (SA)
Julian Guyer
London - Jonny Wilkinson could break Neil Jenkins's world record for most points in rugby union internationals during this season's Six Nations - and the former Wales flyhalf will be the first to congratulate the England No 10 if he does.
Wilkinson needs just 62 points to surpass Jenkins's mark of 1 090 points for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
Given his average return is more than 15 points a game, that could see Newcastle No 10 Wilkinson rewrite the record books in March when England face Scotland and Ireland.
And he might even make rugby history during Saturday's Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham where a tally of 18 points would see him become the first player to score 1 000 for England.
Jenkins, who will be on the sidelines at the south-west London ground in his role as Wales's kicking coach, is in no doubt of Wilkinson's quality.
"The guy is outstanding," said Jenkins. "I was lucky enough to be involved with him on the 2001 Lions tour to Australia, and his work ethic is huge.
"If he does break my record, he fully deserves it. I have got no issues with that whatsoever," added Jenkins, now helping prepare a Wales team chasing a first win at Twickenham in 20 years.
"Jonny is probably the best - his record speaks for itself. The number of points he has scored in 65 Tests for England is incredible.
Danny Cipriani on the bench
"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."
His worth to England was underlined on Tuesday when Wilkinson was named in coach Brian Ashton's starting side to play Wales while gifted uncapped Wasps flyhalf Danny Cipriani had to be content with a place on the bench.
And it is the resilience Wilkinson showed in recovering from a series of injuries following his last-ditch drop-goal that won the 2003 World Cup final to play a key role in England's run to last year's climax in Paris, where he scored all of his side's points in their 15-6 defeat by South Africa, which has impressed Jenkins as much as his ability.
"What he has come back from, most people would probably have said 'I've had enough of this, I can't do this any more'.
"But no chance with Jonny. He dug in and kept going, and his desire to get back and be the best must be huge.
"He is a top-class player who scores points for fun, but he knows the game as well. He knows when to kick and when to pass, to do the right things at the right time - he's really key for England."
Jenkins, speaking before Ashton's team announcement, added: "Danny (Cipriani) is playing very well for Wasps. He has got incredible pace and is a different player to Jonny.
"And Charlie Hodgson has been playing well, too. There are three excellent choices at 10 for England, but I think Jonny will play."
Not for the first time, Jenkins's judgement was proved correct.
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