It is true to say that Wilko was never in the "classic" Welsh 10 mould. Despite being behind a behemoth of a pack for the vast majority of his international time, he only scored 6 tries. He has probably beaten more defenders playing flat on the line of attack at Toulon in the past three years than he did in all those years at Twickers.
But boy could he kick.
And pass - what is sometimes forgotten about Wilko is his ability to throw sharp, accurate passes off either hand. Like his kicking, this is something that this modest but most driven of sporting stars would have practised endlessly.
He would have easily by-passed Jason Leonard's record of 114 English caps but for that injury record. In redefining the role of the No 10 as THE defender of the midfield channel, Wiko put incredible strains on his body. When also taking into account the endless hours of kicking practice, it was no surprise when he went down with a succession of shoulder and knee ailments.
It was his ability to come back from these career threatening moments that defined him as the ultimate professional in a newly professional sport. Could he have been even better ? Probably. If he'd have made the move away from Newcastle earlier. If the English coaches had taken him to one side and said "Steady on - look after that shoulder". And if those same English coaches had somehow freed him to play the role he has played at Toulon. Watching him play London Irish last year in the Heineken, he was truly impressive. Decision making, passes, kicks spot on, a go-to player in all respects. I feel England only "went" to him to say "Go on - kick the penalty". As a 10 in that English set up he was expected to become the leader as the 2003 vintage faded away, but it never happened. Seeing him play that day at the Madjeski, it struck me that that leadership was there, but its failure to define the latter part of his career was a failure of "Elite Player Development". If that title is meant to mean anything...
No comments:
Post a Comment