It's hell for me sat on the bench

Posted Wednesday, February 09, 2011 by The Sun

JONNY WILKINSON has talked about his hell on England's bench.

The 2003 World Cup hero still strikes fear into the hearts of opponents.

But these days stand-off Wilko does his damage as a replacement.

Wilkinson said: "With Toby Flood playing so well at fly-half, I'm now in a role where I contribute slightly differently but it's hell sat on the sidelines.

"At the same time it's massively important. Being on the bench brings new lessons for me, the discipline to work as hard as ever just to be able to come on, as I did against Wales, and kick that late penalty. It's what you train and live for.

"My desires haven't changed, to keep trying to get better. And when I get the opportunity, to play. I By MATT MOORE can't impress upon people enough how living and playing in France has changed me for the better.

"To play is crucial for me. I've had seven injury-hit years of coming in for cameo appearances and taking up to four months to digest a game while recovering before moving on to the next.

"It threw me around in a way I'll never understand fully. My confidence suffered with all those things. So staying fit at the moment and playing weekly for Toulon is great."

Wilkinson, 31, scored the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final and collected a runners-up medal in 2007.

In the most recent tournament, he became the only player in history to score in TWO World Cup finals. Wilko is also chasing down New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter, who has overhauled him as the world's leading points scorer for his country.

Wilkinson goes into Saturday's Twickenham tussle with Italy on 1,114 points, scored in 81 Tests for England and the Lions since his Red Rose debut against Ireland in 1998.

Carter has scored 1,188 points for the All Blacks in 79 matches.

He added: "My desire to play for England is as great as it was when I won my first cap.

"What next? Beating Italy, of course.

"Helping the England team win the Six Nations would be tremendous and it would mean a huge amount to me to play at a fourth World Cup."