Wilkinson's Star Wanes

There was once a time if you’d asked the rugby fraternity to pick a World XV, that Jonny Wilkinson would have been the first name on everyone’s team sheet.

Following a woeful display against a dogged Italian side he probably wouldn’t get into the fourth string team.

In his pomp he was feared for his ferocious tackling, sturdy kicking out of hand and sensational conversion rate.

What we saw in Rome yesterday was something so far from expectation it was almost embarrassing.

He has never been a sparkling runner, but we were fine with that because he kicked us out of trouble time and time again, keeping the scoreboard ticking over and ensuring territorial dominance.

However, this time it was his trusted left boot causing all the problems.

I lost count of how many times he caught the ball in his own 22, and had what seemed like an age to pick his spot in the Stadio Flaminio to put the Azurri on the back foot.

Instead, we got an aimless thump straight back to an Italian who couldn’t believe his luck.

Now it might sound like I’m giving old Jonny a bit of a battering, but the problem is when that part of his game breaks down you start asking yourself questions, well I do anyway, what is he bringing to the table?

On closer inspection not a lot.

And anyway if England wants to close the rather large gap in class between them and the Southern Hemisphere sides (New Zealand, Australia and South Africa) by the time the World Cup comes around in 2011, don’t they need to throw caution to the wind and go with the rugby trends?

The best fly-halfs on the circuit are arguably Dan Carter and Matt Giteau. These guys can equal, if not better, Wilkinson’s kicking game, as well as being able to turn a match with their sparkling side steps or a moment of individual genius.

So where does that leave us? Shane Geraghty, Toby Flood or the forgotten man Danny Cipriani.

Surely it is time these more than capable chaps took the number 10 jersey by the scruff of the neck.

Elsewhere in the 6 Nations, what a game we saw at the Millennium Stadium. Mr Twinkle Toes, aka Shane Williams, provided the x factor for Wales to leave a Scottish team sick to its stomach.

You have to feel a bit sorry for them and grumpy old Andy Robinson, but it almost seemed like it wasn’t meant to be as injuries spread through their side like the Bubonic Plague.

Although, when they manage to get over the feelings of utter despair - thanks to Robinson - improvements are clear.

Across the channel, France is looking ominous putting Ireland to the sword in the cauldron that is the Stade Francais.

With a pack to rival any nation led by the superb number eight, Imanol Harinordoquy, and a backline featuring the genetic freak (in a good way), Mathieu Bastareaud, you have to strongly consider if this is their year to sweep the board.

Talking of Bastareaud, how anyone can be as big and fast at the tender age of 21 is beyond me. He seems to have put the New Zealand debacle behind him and has a mature head on those gigantic shoulders.

As far as England are concerned there is a lot of work to be done, and although they were average against Wales, and even worse in Rome, I can’t help but think on Saturday 20^th March France vs England will be a Grand Slam decider.

You probably think I’m mad, but hey ho you’ve heard it here first.

Going back to Jonny, I want nothing more than to once again marvel at his every move and see some of the performances which built his reputation as a true English rugby great.

I’m just not sure he can.