Committed, thorough and excited — three of the qualities Jonny Wilkinson said he wanted to see in the England team he takes charge of for three Tests next month.
Speaking publically for the first time since being appointed Martin Johnson’s successor as captain, Wilkinson spelled out his vision of the way ahead for the World Cup winners at a press conference on Tuesday.
”I’ve had great examples of how to do the job from Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio and to follow in their footsteps is a great feeling,” he said.
”The outlook is incredibly positive and we’ve got time to build towards the next big thing.
”My team would have to be totally prepared, very thorough, committed, excited and enthusiastic.
”I don’t ever want to be in a situation when you’re thinking ‘what a wasted chance’. You have to have the desire to get better; the desire to be the best and never-ending ambition.
”Pride comes with that thoroughness. It culminated for me in the World Cup final. I love it that every time I come down here [to England’s training camp] I feel that positiveness.”
The Newcastle star has only made five competitive appearances since undergoing surgery on his neck and shoulder and he spoke of his renewed hunger following eight months on the sidelines.
”My enthusiasm, ambition and desire has grown. Undoubtedly the biggest thing was how much I missed being with the England squad,” he said.
”I see the injury as a bonus, a good thing. You can’t prepare for it if a tough injury comes your way and it gave me a chance to get a new perspective on things. It made me sit back and look at things in a more suitable way.
”I’m just purely excited about playing. Before the enjoyment only came reflectively after the game; now it’s before and during games.
”I’m probably my own strongest critic. I’ve had time out of the game and I’ve set myself standards and goals. I know where I am and what I want to achieve. I’m moving forward each week and if I continue to do that I’ll be okay.”
He said the post-op Wilkinson is a more aggressive animal than the one that scored the drop goal that secured England’s World Cup victory over Australia in Sydney last year.
”I’m getting more and more aggressive, competitive and aware of how I want to play the game. I’m just desperate to get back out there and maybe I wasn’t like that eight months ago.”
”I’ve thrown myself in as much as I can. I’m not holding back at all and I’m keen to improve and be part of a defence you can rely on. I’m really positive about it. My neck is better than it’s ever been.”
England face Canada on November 13 but this will not be the frst time Wilkinson has worn the captain’s armband as he was in charge for the match against Italy at Twickenham in 2003.
”Captaining England against Italy was a very positive experience. I’m pleased I got the chance to do it and get an insight.
”It gave me a great deal, but it also made me understand that when you go on the field it’s about the whole team. You go out and attack the game the way you normally do.” – Sapa-AFP