Acting coach Andy Robinson has appointed, fit again, Jonny Wilkinson, England captain for next month’s three Twickenham Tests and looks to shape the 2007 World Cup side around the talented Newcastle fly-half. Wilkinson follows in the footsteps of predecessors Lawrence Dallaglio and Martin Johnson and becomes the 118th player to captain his country.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have named Sonny Bill Williams in the Kiwi line-up for the Tri-Nations. The giant 19-year old, who only made his first-grade debut last year, is part of the Canterbury Bulldogs Grand Final-winning team and has skill and pace in abundance. He is tipped to become the greatest New Zealand player of all time and former Wigan and All Blacks coach, Graham Lowe, believes he will be better than the likes of Mark Graham, Ellery Hanley and Wally Lewis. Williams, playing at loose forward, will be seen against Australia in the opening Tri-Nations game next Saturday before both teams fly to Britain.
England flanker Richard Hill will be missing for at least six months following an injury sustained in practise.
