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Rugby Union

Jonny wants hands-on role against Ireland

22/02/2007

Jonny Wilkinson is relishing the challenge of taking on Ireland in their new stadium at the weekend, but has reminded fans that he has more to offer than just his kicking.

Wilkinson will line up for the world champions in the crucial RBS Six Nations showdown at Croke Park on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, England's record points scorer in the competition said that he hoped the side would not be relying too much on his faithful left boot.

"I don't like kicking the ball a lot," the 27-year-old told the Sun newspaper. "I practise my goal kicking to a degree that is now well known but it's because it's part of my job on the field.

"I love the game of rugby overall and enjoy all aspects of it as much as I'll enjoy the challenge awaiting us at Croke Park," he added.

Wilkinson scored a drop-goal, two conversions, a try and five penalties against Scotland, helping England recapture some of the form that escaped them during the autumn.

But Italy proved more stubborn opponents a week later, with England relying on their fly-half's penalty prowess to secure a scrappy victory.

Both Wilkinson and coach Brian Ashton will be hoping to see more flowing rugby on Saturday.

"I expect I'll make a variety of contributions against Ireland," Wilkinson predicted.

No player has scored more points in an RBS Six Nations season than the Newcastle number ten and with 906 Test points to his name, Wilkinson is closing in on Welshman Neil Jenkins' haul of 1,090.


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