Here it is, a tribute to the biggest and best hits of the hardest hitting fly half to grace our game… Jonny Wilkinson.
In some ways, you could argue Wilkinson has been the epitome of the professional era. He has set new standards in terms of dedication and an almost obsessive pursuit of perfection.
He’s also been one of the great match winners of the era and one of the game’s greatest ever accumulators of points.
In fact, only Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby, with Wilkinson having garnered 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.
The fact he landed it with his weaker right foot speaks volumes for his hours and hours of diligent practice. Bowed out on a high, earning two more trophies with Toulon.
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- Joe Marler’s hilarious review of James Haskell’s new book
- Jones hints that Farrell could be stripped of England captaincy
RANKED: Rugby Union’s 5 Hardest Hitters of All Time
#5. Jacques Burger (Namibia)
Seen as one of the toughest tacklers in Premiership history, Burger rose to the challenge of carrying his nation almost single-handedly with gusto and relish at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His nose bears testament to the battering he’s taken in the process. Flat as a pancake, that schnoz. Fair play.