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Rugby Union

Ashton would drop Jonny

17/01/2008

England coach Brian Ashton will not hesitate to drop Jonny Wilkinson during the upcoming RBS Six Nations tournament.

Wilkinson, who has scored a world record 1029 points in international rugby, and has been an England regular for almost a decade. But his place has come under threat with the emergence of Wasps' exciting fly-half Dan Cipriani.

Ashton has described Cipriani as "a special talent, a simply terrific player" and has warned Wilkinson that he will have to be on top form to retain his place in the side.

"If Jonny stays healthy then it will depend on his form because there are plenty of young talented number 10s who are not just knocking on his door, they're trying to kick it down," said Ashton.

"Jonny's no different to any other player and he wouldn't want to be treated in any other way. He's a bright guy so he will know that there's now a lot of competition.

"So Jonny knows he's got to keep performing well week in, week out, and on the international stage, to keep his position," added the England coach.

It would seem unthinkable to many for Ashton to leave out Wilkinson, the man whose drop goal won England the World Cup in 2003, but it could be a real possibility that he may not wear the No 10 jersey during the Six Nations as Ashton added that he may play Wilkinson in centre.

England kick-off their Six Nations campaign with a game against Wales at Twickenham on February 2nd.