Opinions

The debates on which player was the best in his era is one beauties of the game of rugby and one Rugby Rugby reader, Fred D, believes that Jonny Wilkinson was the best at his peak.

Reader Email.

As a relative neutral I think Wilkinson was the best flyhalf in the world at his peak, and understandably he developed a certain "untouchable aura". The type of aura that surrounds men like Carter, McCaw, Matfield and BoD. If they're available surely you'd pick them, right?
 
The problem is that his peak was probably the 2003 World Cup six years ago. I don't think the fact that he's 30 is the problem it's the fact that he played his best rugby so long ago is what worries me, and the fact that he doesn't seem to be able to play more than a couple of games without injuring himself again. If he was 100% fit and had out-performed all other comers for the last year or so I'd stick Jonny's name down without a second thought, but he hasn't has he?
 
I think the author is quite harsh on the likes of O'Gara and Jones (I'm not neutral enough to say I rate either Cipriani or Flood). These are two quality players who have performed consistently throughout the last few years and in my opinion deserve a callup.
 
As a South African supporter I'd love to see Jonny at his best playing against the Springboks at our best. Seeing players like Jonny and BoD at their best is a privilege, even if they are scoring points against you. But Jonnys not at his best, and you can't base selection on nostalgia and reputations. O'Gara and Jones should go, and I'd pick O'Gara to start.