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Rugby Union

Wilkinson dismisses 'Dad's Army' jibes

15/08/2007

Jonny Wilkinson has dismissed criticism from former players that England's World Cup squad is too old to defend their title in France.

The fly-half says the whole squad are in excellent condition and feels they are well prepared ahead of the tournament which begins in September.

Similar accusations were made of Clive Woodward's team that won the World Cup against Australia in 2003.

Wilkinson told BBC Five Live: "These guys are in great physical condition. I would say that if you spoke to them, most of them would say they are better than they have ever been. That speaks for itself."

The Newcastle Falcons player says he is not worried about the forward-dominated tactics that England have used for the last two games.

Wilkinson believes that the side are capable of playing expansive rugby but have simply not needed to because of their control upfront, despite losing to France on Saturday.

He said: "Undoubtedly the balance is there but when you're playing the game on the field you have to abide by what's working.

"There is no point in having variety for variety's sake, or balance for balance's sake. We have maybe got to make more decisions on the run as we are going."

England have one final warm-up game against France in Marseille on Saturday before the World Cup and Wilkinson admits a win would be welcome following last week's defeat.

"The time for learning and allowing information to set in is getting shorter and we have to start seeing a bit more of the finished article," he concluded.

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