Autumn internationals news: Is Jonny Wilkinson back to his best in France?

28/04/2010

Jonny Wilkinson believes his time in France will help him get back to his best prior to future England matches, such as the autumn internationals.

The stand-off came in for criticism from fans, former players and media commentators throughout the 2010 Six Nations campaign for his perceived failure to get England's back line playing attacking rugby.

He was ultimately dropped for Leicester Tigers' Toby Flood in the final game of the tournament against France, in which the side played arguably their most attractive rugby of the tournament.

Since getting back to his day job in the French Top 14 with club side Toulon, Wilkinson has said he feels under less pressure to perform - and that his game has benefitted as a result.

"There is less of a circus around me so it is more simple," he told the Daily Mail. "That means the inner leader in me is more accessible."

Wilkinson will hope his time in France can help him regain his best form so he can win back the number ten shirt in time for the autumn internationals, which get underway with the England v New Zealand clash on November 6th 2010.

Posted by Ted Walker