Hi dave

I live just over the border from Wales too !!!!

As for Johnny Wilkinson I agree that he had a poor game last week-end. It was reported afterwards that he was down with some virus but played anyway.

What a lot of people don't realise is that Johnny is played as much for his defefensive play as for his place kicking which as we know is World class by any definition.

Also he brings a stability and a sense of quiet authority which gives the team confidence.

We have tried several fly halves in the last few years, none of whom have looked suitable to replace a fully fit Wilkinson. Charlie Hodgson from Sale always looked in club rugby to be an obvious choice as an attacking fly half to get the England backs playing just never clicked in Internationals.

Cipriani looked promising but hasn't lived up to it on the field. Only this week Will Carling , who had offed to mentor Cipriani and spent six weeks with him, had to call it off saying that Cipriani doesn't have the necessary drive and belief to be an international fly half.

So while I have to agree that Johnny may not be the best attacking fly half in the six nations he is the best we have in England at the moment.

I believe it is the same with Chris Patterson nowadays with Scotland. He is there for his reliability with the boot and is not the best choice for a place these days if he wasn't probably the best kicker in the World.

He has been one of my favourite players over the years and had he played for another nation he would have been better recognised.
He is a wonderful servant to Scottish rugby and has helped them enormously by being able to play in almost any position outside the scrum. A wonderful ambassador for Scotland and for Rugby Union.

I am sad to hear that he is injured and may not play any further part in the Six Nations this year.

Cheers

MikeL2