I have to ask why does Jonny Wilkinson cop so much criticism? As an Aussie I would gladly stab him in the heart if I met him in a dark alley but he seems to me the most misunderstood fly half of all time. He is a fearless defender, sure he misses tackles but look who he has to take on close to the rucks and mauls. Most fly halves are sieves in defense. When England pick a backline that can run, he always seems to pick the best attacking lines. And if the backline is crap he can kick people off the park anyway.
Oh dear, I hope mhendo’s OK
He does? Where? He’s not kicking that well at the moment (this is beyond dispute) and he hasn’t looked that sharp in places, but the consensus rightly remains that he’s world class. I haven’t seen anyone, anywhere, even begin to dispute this. I certainly wouldn’t.
I like to think of it as “Andrew Ettingshausen” syndrome. I used to say 15 years ago that the single biggest thing going against ET in regards to being appreciated as a great player was that he was such a good looking bloke. And I think that rings true for Johhny Wilkinson, too. I personally wouldn’t call myself “Johnny” if I was a grown man, I’d opt for the “Jack” version myself, but what’s in a name, really? I’ve read a few comments by the guy this World Cup and let me tell ya, he has been incredibly gracious and a real ornament to the game. His magnanimity regarding Stirling Mortlock’s near miss to win the Australia/England quarter final really impressed me. Is he as good a flyhalf as Michael Lynagh was? Not in my opinion, but he’s bloody close. Is he better than Stephen Larkham? Definitely, not a question. His biggest problem is that he’s such a good looking guy. What a problem to go through life with, I say.
All that being said, I reckon the Springboks have the forwards to match the English pack, they have a far superior kicking fullback in Percy Montgomery, and they’ve got a superior backline. My money’s on the Springboks, and it has been since before the World Cup started.
All I can say about Jonny Wilkinson is that every woman in Britain wants to shag the boy and this proves it .
“Mey husband and Eye would like to be rogered, one might say, senseless, beneath the firm pounding of that fine young gentleman’s firm buttocks, with guidance from those powerful, and often accurate, thighs. And what do you do?”
As an aside, I’ve really enjoyed Lynagh’s punditry for ITV and the Guardian. Classy and insightful, unlike that shower of shit Will Greenwood, who spent the better part of his commentary on the SA/Argentina match gloating about England’s victories, and banging on about the Bledisloe Cup (some “hilarious” comment about it being the WC eighth place playoff, I think). Even his co-commentator effectively told him to give it a bloody rest about half way through the second half. Dire.
Heh Heh… I’m quoting myself here because the sentence I’ve quoted didn’t read all that well with hindsight. I’d just like to clarify that I am indeed a grown man, merely that if my name was John, I’d personally prefer to use the “Jack” nickname instead of “Johnny” if you know what I mean. That being said, may I reiterate that young Mr Wilkinson is indeed a great player and even though I’m Australian, I don’t have any problems whatsoever in being magnanimous and conceding what a talent the guy is - and by all reports, a really top bloke too.
Just as a bit of trivia, I went to university in the early 1980’s when Michael Lynagh and Michael O’Connor were both attending too. I used to know them quite well at the time. They’re both great guys, really great guys.
His name is actually Jonathan, not John, so “Jack” wouldn’t really apply. Maybe Nate Wilkinson, if you want something more macho-sounding than Jonny?
Also, I agree that Will Greenwood is the world’s worst co-commentator. Half-arsed jokes you heard down the pub do not “colour” make.
Nate is short for Nathan, surely? For Jonathans it’s either the full name, John or Jonny I think. Plus, “Jonny” does seem to be ideally suited to the sort of wistful, exhalatory, slightly moist intonation usually employed whenever a female of the species mentions him.
And again, I’m still not convinced there’s any shortfall in his credibility that needs addressing. I haven’t seen anyone seriously criticise him, pretty much ever. I’m the only one that came close in this thread, and the worst I said was that he had an only alright game against Australia, which I stand by. It’s hardly damning stuff. 
I’ve read the word “Jonny” so many times it’s done that thing where it doesn’t look like a word any more.
Thank you. That started my morning perfectly. I can even picture her hugging her purse (rather closely) when she’s saying it.
Y’know… I think I’m becoming a royalist.
Can you blame us? The man is a god amongst men. sighs wistfully
GOOOOOOOOOOO England!!
I’m a Kiwi but if people can call themselves things like “Italian-American” because of heritage then I get to call myself “Kiwi-Pom” and I am sooooooo hoping “my team” win!
I work with one Pom and one SA. So my wish is purely a popularity contest. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let England win!!!
If South Africa wins someone very unpopular may be murdered!
"England rugby practice was delayed for two hours this afternoon after a
player reported finding a white powdery substance on the practice ground.
Head coach Ashton immediately suspended practice while the police were
called to investigate. After a complete forensic search Scotland Yard
determined that the white stuff which was unknown to the players was in
fact the try line.
Practice was continued as police were happy the players were unlikely to
encounter the substance again."
I like England rugby, I really do, but I refuse to forward these via email, but they’re screaming to be shared, so here’s another:
Brian Ashton (coach of the English rugby team) and Jake White (coach of the South African rugby team) both die and enter the Pearly Gates.
God takes Brian on a tour of heaven and ends up at a little two-bedroom bungalow with a faded English rugby banner hanging from the front porch.
“This is your house, Brian,” says God, “You’re very lucky. Most people don’t get their own houses up here, you know.” Brian looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the huge mansion on top of the hill. A massive, multi-storey affair with white marble columns, balconies and attractive gardens, Springbok banners line both sides of the footpath and a huge South African flag hangs between the marble columns.
“Thanks for the house, God,” says Brian “But let me ask you a question. How come I get this little two-bedroom bungalow and Jake White gets a huge mansion with all those marble columns and things.”
God looks at him seriously for a moment. “That’s not Jakes house,” God says. “That’s my house.”
So today is crunch time and yesterday was crunch time for the French.
Royally fucked off by Argentina who played some outstanding rugby.
Do not be surprised if Argentina get better and better
True dat. Argentina took France completely to pieces, and it wasn’t just the traditional Argentinian approach - strong on scrummaging, everything else an irrelevance - but some spirited and creative attacking play as well. It’s safe to say they’ve arrived.
God damn mother-fucking bastard! That was a try!
Meh - even a converted try wouldn’t have cut it at the end.
WOOOO-HOOOO!
BOKKE!BOKKE!BOKKE!BOKKE!BOKKE!BOKKE!BOKKE!
At the time it could have put us a point ahead though. We might have tried harder not to give away any penalties after that.
Oh well, while I’m obviously disappointed now, on reflection I can’t be anything but proud of how our boys turned it around after getting our arse handed to us.
Come on Hamilton!