Sunday, September 20, 2009

Michalak hails Wilkinson comeback

Jonny Wilkinson shouts instructions for Toulon in their win over Toulouse
Wilkinson has made a promising start to his career in France

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is "back to his best" according to long-time French rival Frederic Michalak.

Wilkinson kicked all of Toulon's points as they beat Michalak's Toulouse 18-13 on Sunday in front of nearly 60,000 fans at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

"He is without doubt back to his best level," Michalak said of Wilkinson, who landed three drop-goals in his haul.

"Each time he came into our half he scored points. It's important to have someone like that in your team."

Wilkinson's form is a boost to England manager Martin Johnson as he contemplates backline changes for the autumn Tests in the wake of injuries to centre Riki Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage.

The 30-year-old has not played for his country since winning the last of his 70 caps in the final game of the 2008 Six Nations.

A dislocated knee last September sidelined Wilkinson for the rest of last season, but he was recalled to England's elite player squad in July after his summer move from Newcastle to Toulon.

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"You can't be anything but impressed when you play with a guy, train with a guy, see what this guy is prepared to go through to try to be successful," Johnson told the Sunday Times.

"I've played with some pretty dedicated players but, for him...it's beyond dedicated."

After narrow defeats to Montauban (21-18) and Montpellier (21-20) in recent weeks, Sunday's return to winning ways lifted Toulon into third place in France's Top 14, above Toulouse on points difference.

"It's a great feeling to win. The last two weeks have been difficult to take," said Wilkinson.

"We knew that there was a chance to achieve something special but we were expecting a tough match.

"It was a unique atmosphere and we took real pleasure from it."

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