It's great to have Jonny back, says Johnson
It's great to have Jonny Wilkinson back, says Martin Johnson
Sunday, 08, Nov 2009 10:30
By Lewis Bazley.
Jonny Wilkinson's comeback may have been spoilt by a resurgent Australia but the England squad are fortunate to have him back, said coach Martin Johnson.
The World Cup winner kicked a drop goal and two penalties but a mobile display could not prevent England falling to a 9-18 home defeat against the Wallabies.
Speaking at a press conference after the defeat Johnson bemoaned England's lack of match practice in comparison with Australia's recent Tri Nations campaign but agreed Wilkinson's return was a positive aspect of the match.
"He's a world-class player," the former England captain said.
"It's fantastic to have him back and playing well, he's disappointed with the result but I've told the whole group it's important we work just as hard next week and tweak what needs to be tweaked so we're a better team against Argentina."
Asked if he concurred with Wilkinson's recent claim that he is "better than ever", Johnson commented: "In terms of his experience and what he's been through, it's put him in better stead."
He explained: "[Jonny's] only 30 and has plenty of years playing in him if he wants to.
"In terms of what he brings to the side, you saw what he did on the field and we've seen what he does off it, he's a tremendous presence to have in the squad."
Wilkinson recently moved to France to play for Toulon in the Top 14 after 12 seasons with Newcastle.