Jonny's time is surely up!

It was a familiar sight, an image England Rugby fans had witnessed so many times before. Jonny Wilkinson glances up at the posts, calmly adjusts his feet, takes a deep breath and then neatly slots a right-footed drop goal to secure the match for his team at the death.

However there was no celebrations, no fist pumping, no macho embraces. Wilkinson and his teammates instead looked relieved and almost embarrassed.

Seven years on since Wilkinson’s magical last minute kick made England world champions and him a national hero, it was painful to watch England and their aging fly half struggling to record a victory against a poor Italian side at the Stadio Flaminio.

Like so many in the England side of late, Wilkinson is suffering. His contribution in this match was a nightmare of uncertainty. He missed three kicks in front of goal, too of which would have been a certainty for the old dependable Jonny. It looked like Wilkinson was finally showing humanistic traits, surely he wasn’t feeling the pressure.

Yes, really. The hero from Sydney who would take advantage of any opposition transgressions with an un-natural precision was finally feeling the heat. Gasps could be heard from every stand as Wilkinson miss fired.

After leaving the field a dejected man, The 30 year old admitted ample kicking practice is in order before England’s next tie against Ireland in a fortnight.

“Kicking problems can happen and it is a good learning curve” He observed
“It shows you have never got it nailed down. It is a good motivation to get out there and sort it out, as I will.” Wilkinson concluded.

Whilst it can be conceivable to put a few missed kicks to one side, it is not as if Wilkinson’s performances else where on the pitch have been inspiring. He contributed to England’s main failing yesterday, an incomprehensible amount of witless kicking.
At times Jonny’s tactical kicking was indisputably awful. A lack of confidence was clear for all to see as substantial yardage was sacrificed as Wilkinson just concentrated on not making yet more errors.

He is clearly struggling to read the game of young and admittedly unpredictable scrum half Danny Care, and has failed to form any kind of relationship with Riki Flutey.

There also seems to be reluctance from Wilkinson to step up to the breach and lead an England side that is crying out for guidance. All the old mockers have gone. There is no Greenwood or Mike Cat. No Dawson calling the shots. In the past Wilkinson simply did the job, whilst the others did all the thinking.

Maybe the drive is no longer present in Wilkinson’s game. After all life is sweet in the Riviera where he plays for Toulon. Money is no object and for a man who has been plagued with injury after injury, he is in remarkable health.

His former greatness has rightfully earned him a huge amount of respect among fellow players, coaches and even politicians, and whilst he has certainly been a tremendous servant to English rugby, his recent inclusions based on reputation rather than performance has hindered England’s problems in finding a genuine replacement.

Shane Geraghty has been performing amicably for both Northampton and the Saxons but has failed to be provided with any genuine opportunity. Toby Flood has had his moments but is often played out of position to accommodate Wilkinson.

Jonny will always have our respect and gratitude. We will always remember those faultless performances, which helped England become the World-class force they were seven years ago, however it is now time to move on.

Head Coach Martin Johnson must be brave enough to move on from the Wilkinson era and inject some life and creativity into England’s number 10 jersey.