Was there in 2001: Jonny Wilkinson
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2013 British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed that Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is available for the tour of Australia.
Wilkinson, who retired from international rugby last December after winning 91 England caps, has not been ruled out of a call-up by Gatland.
It was originally rumoured that Gatland might include the 33-year-old as a goal-kicking coach, but the Kiwi boss believes that if Wilkinson's form is up to scratch, he could make the playing squad.
"I might well think about it but he may also be available as a player. He's still a fine a player and only 33. That's not old," he was quoted on Sunday.
"For me, everyone is in contention. The slate is clean for every player who wants to be considered.
"No one is ruled out or pencilled in and if you are playing well enough then whoever it is - whether it is Jonny Wilkinson or whoever, it's all about how players are performing for their clubs or countries.
"We've selected players who have been playing well just for their club sides and have done well for the Lions. They don't have to be playing for their countries.
"What is important if they are not playing international rugby is that they have to be coming from a side that is performing particularly well."
Comments
heart_of_oak says...
APV1 - I'm heartbroken. The hussy, how could she ?
Posted 10:56 13th September 2012
DavidCartwright says...
I can't believe all this scoffing. Gatland is absolutely right to consider the inclusion of Jonny.
Posted 01:58 13th September 2012
APV1 says...
@ heart_of_oak - I am sorry to say that the great Ann Widdecombe is unavailable, as she has run off with Julian Clary and they have formed a dance troupe called The Widdeclarys. They specialise in inverted pole-dancing, with Ann wearing an electric blue mankini and Julian sporting an electric pink g-string. Phenomenal stuff, I tell you. They've gone down a storm in Blackpool with their support act, The Ciprihensons.
Posted 11:29 12th September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
kiwilad - once again, a fair and objective comment. That 2003 English pack was great but Woodward misused Simon Shaw - that pack could have been even better had Shaw been used. For my money, Shaw's one of the best locks we've produced in England, as good as MJ and far better than Ben Kay. What Woodward had against Shaw I will never know.
Anyway, that's all history now.
The burning question on everyone's mind is 'will Ann Widdecombe (runner-up in this year's Smethwick lap dancing contest) make the touring party and if not, why not ?' She has to go.
Come on Gatland, pick Ann.
Posted 09:11 11th September 2012
benski says...
@JamietheProp.... No, not SERIOUSLY suggesting.
Posted 08:17 11th September 2012
kiwilad says...
Trinats, Good pack??? posibly one of the best ever!!!
Posted 05:20 11th September 2012
kiwilad says...
Johnny Wilkinson, Perhaps they should dig up William Webb Ellis as well???
Posted 23:44 10th September 2012
JamieTheProp says...
@ Heart Of Oak - sorry! they hadn't posted your message when I wrote mine - more a response to people below your post actually suggesting those two idiots!
Posted 17:29 10th September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Sexton is the only international 10 good enough. So him plus two rising stars: I'd pick Burns and Ford. Shame Sarries are ruining Farrell as a contender for 10.
Posted 15:03 10th September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
Jamietheprop - as a Leeds lad, you surely know when I'm taking the p*ss ???
Posted 13:19 10th September 2012
makemehappy says...
Barry John and Phil Bennett to make a comeback too!
Posted 13:14 10th September 2012
JamieTheProp says...
While I think Wilkinson has been awesome (and ABlack what he actually did was kick almost all of his penalty kicks which were generally given away by teams who couldn't live with our forwards and transgressed/killed the ball to stop us scoring tries) his time has gone.
There was never any sentiment in that team - just a pragmatic approach that meant playing to our strengths - not attractive but it beat everyone in the world and delivered some very big wins. I'd take that again.
The problem is that there really isn't another stand-out option in the position. But then we do still have a season for someone to put their hands up - so no need to panic!
If not Gatland should pick from the left field (think Martin Johnson when he became Lions captain with just a few international caps under his belt and no experience of captaining a side at senior level).
And is someone really suggesting Henson? And Cipriani? I'd pick Wilkinson in front of both those jokers! At least he is a serious rugby player with the right attitude!
Posted 13:04 10th September 2012
Norm says...
Smells like Aussie bait from Gatland! He has toned down his silly outbursts in advance of Wales games, I reckon Gatland is relishing this tour for the Aussie baiting as much as the rugby!
Wilkinson, steady mid week/ dirttrack team leader, why not! But should not be anywhere near the test team for exactly the reasons Leinster goy said ( coming over all funny right now!)
Kentaff
Good lord dont joke!
Posted 12:42 10th September 2012
Trinats2 says...
Still playing rugby ? Thought he would have signed to soccer by now.
Please pick him Gatland.
Australia were beaten by a very good forward pack in 2003 RWC. Wilkinson was just a kicker who was lucky enough to play behind a good pack.
Posted 12:33 10th September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
Kentaff - I like where you're going with this. You are of course 100% right. The fly halfs should be Gavin Hensen and Danny Cipriani with Julian Clary warming the bench, so to speak. That'd put the fear of God into Jonesy2.
Posted 12:27 10th September 2012
kenttaff says...
gavin henson anyone????
Posted 11:55 10th September 2012
lawynd says...
I very much doubt Gatland will pick Wilkinson, at least not as a player, when he could pick from the current 4N pool. But in essence, he's right - no player should be out of contention unless they make themselves unavailable, like several of the overseas contenders (Jenkins) appear to have done.
For my money, it would be Sexton, Flood and Farrell...but I'm sure Priestland will be on the plane. Or, long odds on Gatland losing the plot and taking Wilkinson, Jones and O'Gara and Martin Johnson to captain the side...he's not doing anything at the moment, right? =P
Posted 11:24 10th September 2012
benski says...
Danny Cipriani?
Posted 11:15 10th September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
Ablack, how wrong can you be, eh ?
I reckon it'll be between Sexton and Flood, possibly Priestland depending on his form. Don't think O'Gara will get selected now. Farrell - not being played as a fly half by Sarries, Ford - too inexperienced and if we need some negative publicity, how about taking Cips along ? Not to play, of course, but rather to distract the media.
If JW does go on the tour, it is most likely to be in some sort of goal kicking coaching role.
Posted 10:56 10th September 2012
piriaka says...
OMG, what do you mean 'boost'? Obviously a different meaning in UK. This guy is over the hill and has been since the last tour with Lions to NZ. If this is the best the UK can do, then Aussies will flog the Lions.
Posted 06:03 10th September 2012