Jonny Wilkinson talks to Total Rugby in an honest and revealing interview. Looking back on his career and his struggle to cope with life in the spotlight. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Wow...What a great philosophy and also humility on the part of J. Wilkinson. Always like his defence too. Especially during 2003 RWC Final. From an All Blacks fan.
No other man or woman in sport has put his life on the line for our country, almost literally, as Johnny, huge respect to him. He's only a celebrity because we all recognise the effort and determination he has to get him where he was and still is in rugby history and most importantly English history!
can we not argue about whose better jonny or dan carter and just appreciate how incredibly good natured, modest and great at rugby jonny is this video is about him as a person not dan carter
Totally decent bloke by the looks of things. He was a superb First Five, one of the greats - not too flashy, but incredibly reliable and consistent. I know how he feels with anxiety and depression so hats off to him.
HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HE HAS PUT TOULON IN THE CHALLENGE CUP FINAL WITH ANOTHER GREAT DROP GOAL IN THE 79 MINUTE OF THE MATCH. HE IS JUST INCREDIBLE, ANOTHER MATCH WINNING DROP GOAL IN THE LAST MINUTE. JONNY YOU MUST NOT LEAVE THE RUGBY!!!!
Regardless of who is the #10 of all time, I just want to thank Jonny for all he has done for English rugby and all the youths he has inspired. I wish him great success in all his endeavors.
Him and Carter are by far the best fly halfs ever. Unfortuntely though I have to conceed (and I'm a proud Englishman) that Carter has the edge as the best. Kicking is even and all round play and impact on the individuals team is pretty similar too. The one thing that elivates Carter over my hero wilko is the longevity of Carter and the unfortunate fact that Johnny had a terrible and unfortunate injury history and the fact Carter was on top of his game for several consecutive years where as johhny had is legendary moments in impact but injuries didn't allow him to flourish for a long period of time. No hesitation in my mind though that if Johnny was able to avoid injuries and performed for as long and consistently as Carter, they would be neck and neck. No doubts at all.
Wilkinson And Carter are both legends, yes Wilko makes bigger hits but carter does make good tackles as well. Both can kick well. Both won world cups, even though carter was injured
Absolutely agree that John is one of the best player in these years! I am talking that there are a lot more others great players, but his story is like dramatic and iconic!! Why must we compare with others? Are you doing better than him? Do you have a stronger will than him? Shut up and admire EVERYONE's hard work !!
come on man, he won 2003 world cup, and he arrived 2007 world cup final. Between 2003 and 2007 he was off from england rugby, if he would not be out, he would have beaten all records!! he is stronger than Dan, he kicks better, he tackles...he DOES EVERYTHING!!
Wilkinson has been around since 1999 WC, the length of his career 4years + on Carter and Carter at this moment still has more international points and tries then Wilkinson. If I had the chance to pick a team making of any players, Carter would be my 10, easy pick!
I feel you! Don't understand how you can compare the two? Wilkinson is a great player, one of the best to play the sport! But Carter is the best first five ever!
I live in Sweden, and I'm 18 years old. This means I don't have a lot of opportunities to become big in the rugby world. But fucking hell I am gonna make myself a name, because rugby is what I have enjoyed the most since I was born. If someone can give me advice on how to get out there and start playing for Brittish/Australian/New Zeeland clubs, please message me. I need to achieve what Wilkinson has achieved. I fucking need it.
Johnny hits like a freak! my fav english player. Saying he's better than carter is stupid. DC is the complete 1st five. All round brilliance, tactical and smart. Johnny hits hard and kicks brilliantly.
I agree after returning from injury Carter never played like he did against the Lions, but Wilkinson has never matched that performance from Carter in his career as well, and when Carter returned from injury he claimed the "best first five" spot with ease! Yea he tackled him twice, which at times can be hard to do, but Carter also broke his tackles as well. You should add that to the abilities list - Hand off & tackle breaks: Carter by far! Aslo Carter is great at offloading: Carter by far. =)
... also, attack would go to Carter as well, 29 tries is a lot for a 1st five at international level and Wilkinson won't come close to that amount, that's guaranteed! Carter is the complete package as far as first fives go.
the only way someone can be the best is by comparing them to second best, otherwise how do you know they are they best? i can say im the fastest person in the world, compared to no one, you always need to compare the best to prove it
The record books show that Carter is the best fly half ever, Carter is compared to no one because he is the best yet people always compare Wilkinson to Carter
I´m not even gonna tell u to watch the 2003 world cup, just watch England vs South Africa 2007 first game in the rugby world cup without Wilkinson then watch the finals with Wilkinson playing and u will see that record books do not represent Greatness. I think Carter is a more rounded player and i would choose him over Wilkinson in a normal situation, but in a World cup game, with the weight of the world in the fly half shoulder, i would choose Wilkinson no questions asked.
Yea Carter hasn't performed like that for a while but he still consistently performs at a high level, something that Wilkinson could not do! Wilkinson was only good from 2001 to 2003-2004 really, where Carter has been a top class player since he put the black jersey on, and he is showing no signs of stopping, even at his current age. Let's not forget Carter claimed the 10 jersey from Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer! And is responsible for Aaron Cruden sitting on the bench as well.
Look up NZ vs British and Irish Lions test 2, Wellington. The most complete performance by a fly half ever. Wilkinson was good but not Carter good. He is the complete first five.
Your tackling is wrong, Wilkinson has amazing impact when he tackles, but that doesn't make his tackling "by far" better then Carters. Carter has amazing and safe tacles, probably the best out of any current first five at international level. Lets not forget when Carter broke Wilkinson's tackle in 2005 ;) (Lions tour). His cross kicks aren't "by far" better then carters as well, did you watch his cross kick against Scotland this year? Amazing!
Unstoppable? Are you talking about Carters performance vs the lions in 2005? Now that was an unstoppable performance! As for Wilkinsons injury, that would make his time on the field at international level par with Carters? Either way, you are not going to convince me. Carter is by far better then Wilkinson!
A lot of people don't understand how great Johnny Wilkinson is. I've heard Dan Carter looks up to Johnny. Personally I think Johnny is like a older brother to Dan Carter and that Dan is trying to do what johnny did as being a rugby legend which Dan Carter definitely will be and will probably be better than him.
You clearly haven't seen Carters kicking plays, they are amazing, and he still performs at that level today. And Carter has more tries then Wilkinson FYI. Most of Wilkinson's points are from penalties, conversions and drop goals. Carter has 29 international tries! a hell of a lot more international tries then Wilkinson! Carter is better then Wilkinson, simple as that.
Thats okay but Wilkinson missed 4 years of test rugby! so your comment isn't valid, Wilkinson on his day was unstoppable watch some old matches like England vs All Blacks 2003 or England vs Ireland 2003
Hahaha bro they are so biased aye its funny. That second test against the lions should have been enough evidence for them to see the Carter is the better player.
Wilkinson stoping Carter twice in 80 minutes isn't impressive, especially when Carter scored 33 points in that game. That seems impressive because the other first fives in that Lions squad could't stop Carter, making Wilkinson's two tackles look amazing, when it's average at best. Sounds like a lot of excuses with the injuries. Carter returned back from his major ancle and groin injuries in fine form, maybe you should put that on your abilities list - recover from injury and form: Carter by far!
LMAO! Even the English recognize his limitations. 'He tackles, he kicks...' An ellipsis (...) generally means there is more to follow, so please enlighten me to these "other traits" that he possesses.
Narrow minded?Bro he isn't better then carter. The records say it all. Johnny is a good player and i'm not disrespecting him in anyway but carter is better end of.
Wow...What a great philosophy and also humility on the part of J. Wilkinson. Always like his defence too. Especially during 2003 RWC Final. From an All Blacks fan.
No other man or woman in sport has put his life on the line for our country, almost literally, as Johnny, huge respect to him. He's only a celebrity because we all recognise the effort and determination he has to get him where he was and still is in rugby history and most importantly English history!
The great Jonny Wilkinson.
The best of luck from the romanian rubgy fans.
Total HUMILITY! What a guy...
can we not argue about whose better jonny or dan carter and just appreciate how incredibly good natured, modest and great at rugby jonny is
this video is about him as a person not dan carter
Totally decent bloke by the looks of things. He was a superb First Five, one of the greats - not too flashy, but incredibly reliable and consistent. I know how he feels with anxiety and depression so hats off to him.
such a modest and humble man, consummate professional too... a great example for aspiring youngsters..
Even though im not a fan of him. He deserves so much respect! What a legend!
The most modest man on earth
Wilko is a top guy! I'm privileged to have met and trained with him!
I played against Farnham on the weekend, very good side seen as they were touring to bromsgrove as well
thanks for everything jonny
there was me thinking jonny was a light hearted lad, real deep insight into a pro rugby player
Thanks a bunch for that answer, mate!
thanks on advice :)
HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HE HAS PUT TOULON IN THE CHALLENGE CUP FINAL WITH ANOTHER GREAT DROP GOAL IN THE 79 MINUTE OF THE MATCH. HE IS JUST INCREDIBLE, ANOTHER MATCH WINNING DROP GOAL IN THE LAST MINUTE. JONNY YOU MUST NOT LEAVE THE RUGBY!!!!
totally with you man!
read his book, now THAT gives you a deep insight into him. He's most certainly not your average pro rugby player.
absolute legend
a true legend. one of the last real rugby gentlemen out there.
Regardless of who is the #10 of all time, I just want to thank Jonny for all he has done for English rugby and all the youths he has inspired. I wish him great success in all his endeavors.
Him and Carter are by far the best fly halfs ever. Unfortuntely though I have to conceed (and I'm a proud Englishman) that Carter has the edge as the best. Kicking is even and all round play and impact on the individuals team is pretty similar too. The one thing that elivates Carter over my hero wilko is the longevity of Carter and the unfortunate fact that Johnny had a terrible and unfortunate injury history and the fact Carter was on top of his game for several consecutive years where as johhny had is legendary moments in impact but injuries didn't allow him to flourish for a long period of time. No hesitation in my mind though that if Johnny was able to avoid injuries and performed for as long and consistently as Carter, they would be neck and neck. No doubts at all.
They are both equally good. They both have good stuff and bad.
Rugby legend.
Wilkinson And Carter are both legends, yes Wilko makes bigger hits but carter does make good tackles as well. Both can kick well.
Both won world cups, even though carter was injured
he has many books, but the best one is probably Jonny Wilkinson My World
Absolutely agree that John is one of the best player in these years! I am talking that there are a lot more others great players, but his story is like dramatic and iconic!! Why must we compare with others? Are you doing better than him? Do you have a stronger will than him? Shut up and admire EVERYONE's hard work !!
legend
I love you jonny wilkinson
Takes Balls to admit what he went through!
come on man, he won 2003 world cup, and he arrived 2007 world cup final. Between 2003 and 2007 he was off from england rugby, if he would not be out, he would have beaten all records!!
he is stronger than Dan, he kicks better, he tackles...he DOES EVERYTHING!!
Jonny is the perfect fly-half, he can run, sidestep, kick, tackle and pass. What would you want more from a fly-half.
he was actually a great running fly half but the during the time he arrived england played a very tight game
Jonny Wilkinson is the best :)
What's his book called?
brave and honest
Wilkinson has been around since 1999 WC, the length of his career 4years + on Carter and Carter at this moment still has more international points and tries then Wilkinson. If I had the chance to pick a team making of any players, Carter would be my 10, easy pick!
seen it on TV ;P
I feel you! Don't understand how you can compare the two? Wilkinson is a great player, one of the best to play the sport! But Carter is the best first five ever!
I live in Sweden, and I'm 18 years old. This means I don't have a lot of opportunities to become big in the rugby world. But fucking hell I am gonna make myself a name, because rugby is what I have enjoyed the most since I was born.
If someone can give me advice on how to get out there and start playing for Brittish/Australian/New Zeeland clubs, please message me. I need to achieve what Wilkinson has achieved. I fucking need it.
Has anyone noticed that Chris Ashton always drops the ball on the wing when players are next to him?
This guy kicks like a god
Johnny hits like a freak! my fav english player. Saying he's better than carter is stupid. DC is the complete 1st five. All round brilliance, tactical and smart. Johnny hits hard and kicks brilliantly.
I agree after returning from injury Carter never played like he did against the Lions, but Wilkinson has never matched that performance from Carter in his career as well, and when Carter returned from injury he claimed the "best first five" spot with ease! Yea he tackled him twice, which at times can be hard to do, but Carter also broke his tackles as well. You should add that to the abilities list - Hand off & tackle breaks: Carter by far! Aslo Carter is great at offloading: Carter by far. =)
GOD.
... also, attack would go to Carter as well, 29 tries is a lot for a 1st five at international level and Wilkinson won't come close to that amount, that's guaranteed! Carter is the complete package as far as first fives go.
My comment is disabled for this video.
the only way someone can be the best is by comparing them to second best, otherwise how do you know they are they best? i can say im the fastest person in the world, compared to no one, you always need to compare the best to prove it
i play for farnham rugby club :D
The record books show that Carter is the best fly half ever, Carter is compared to no one because he is the best yet people always compare Wilkinson to Carter
I did not, I was too late.
@kalleskit just join a good club and make it to county then if your good enough it will pan out frome there
I lived in New Zealand for 3 yrs I wouldt change Johnny for anyone most def not Carter
@hunkymydinkles haha well noticed
Like every prodigy they have some mental struggles
I´m not even gonna tell u to watch the 2003 world cup, just watch England vs South Africa 2007 first game in the rugby world cup without Wilkinson then watch the finals with Wilkinson playing and u will see that record books do not represent Greatness. I think Carter is a more rounded player and i would choose him over Wilkinson in a normal situation, but in a World cup game, with the weight of the world in the fly half shoulder, i would choose Wilkinson no questions asked.
Pedro Thevenard
Because Carter is known for crumbling under pressure or something?
Yea Carter hasn't performed like that for a while but he still consistently performs at a high level, something that Wilkinson could not do! Wilkinson was only good from 2001 to 2003-2004 really, where Carter has been a top class player since he put the black jersey on, and he is showing no signs of stopping, even at his current age. Let's not forget Carter claimed the 10 jersey from Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer! And is responsible for Aaron Cruden sitting on the bench as well.
Look up NZ vs British and Irish Lions test 2, Wellington. The most complete performance by a fly half ever. Wilkinson was good but not Carter good. He is the complete first five.
hmmmm Ok Fair Enough.
*want
He is much better than Carter come on. He tackles, he kicks...
THANKS WILKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your tackling is wrong, Wilkinson has amazing impact when he tackles, but that doesn't make his tackling "by far" better then Carters. Carter has amazing and safe tacles, probably the best out of any current first five at international level. Lets not forget when Carter broke Wilkinson's tackle in 2005 ;) (Lions tour). His cross kicks aren't "by far" better then carters as well, did you watch his cross kick against Scotland this year? Amazing!
Unstoppable? Are you talking about Carters performance vs the lions in 2005? Now that was an unstoppable performance! As for Wilkinsons injury, that would make his time on the field at international level par with Carters? Either way, you are not going to convince me. Carter is by far better then Wilkinson!
please explain how that is a stupid comment then
A lot of people don't understand how great Johnny Wilkinson is. I've heard Dan Carter looks up to Johnny. Personally I think Johnny is like a older brother to Dan Carter and that Dan is trying to do what johnny did as being a rugby legend which Dan Carter definitely will be and will probably be better than him.
You clearly haven't seen Carters kicking plays, they are amazing, and he still performs at that level today. And Carter has more tries then Wilkinson FYI. Most of Wilkinson's points are from penalties, conversions and drop goals. Carter has 29 international tries! a hell of a lot more international tries then Wilkinson! Carter is better then Wilkinson, simple as that.
Thats okay but Wilkinson missed 4 years of test rugby! so your comment isn't valid, Wilkinson on his day was unstoppable watch some old matches like England vs All Blacks 2003 or England vs Ireland 2003
Maybe just move to the country you mostly want to play in and get into the clubs academy and get on from there
Hahaha bro they are so biased aye its funny. That second test against the lions should have been enough evidence for them to see the Carter is the better player.
One Dislike=Dan Carter
if he is better than Carter then why he can't win the World Cup?
Carter tackles kicks not bad than Wilkinson :o
sense Carter!
lmao
Wilkinson stoping Carter twice in 80 minutes isn't impressive, especially when Carter scored 33 points in that game. That seems impressive because the other first fives in that Lions squad could't stop Carter, making Wilkinson's two tackles look amazing, when it's average at best. Sounds like a lot of excuses with the injuries. Carter returned back from his major ancle and groin injuries in fine form, maybe you should put that on your abilities list - recover from injury and form: Carter by far!
my dad has slept in his bed :D
DwarfMista When no one cares..
LMAO! Even the English recognize his limitations. 'He tackles, he kicks...' An ellipsis (...) generally means there is more to follow, so please enlighten me to these "other traits" that he possesses.
no he is not!!
wilkinson 1 - carter 1...
Narrow minded?Bro he isn't better then carter. The records say it all. Johnny is a good player and i'm not disrespecting him in anyway but carter is better end of.
Cry
thats cos he was injured for 4+ years. u clearly know nothing
Dan Carter > Wilkinson
not better than carter
chris paterson is better than carter and wilkinson