Wilkinson determined to fight for England rugby future

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Jonny Wilkinson is convinced he can still play an important role in England's future despite Danny Cipriani's impact as his replacement.

Wilkinson, 28, watched on from the sidelines at Twickenham on Saturday as Cipriani underlined his status as English rugby's brightest young star with a man-of-the-match display in the 33-10 win over Ireland.

Cipriani scored 18 points to make it a full debut to remember. The number 10 came in for Wilkinson, who was dropped by coach Brian Ashton in the aftermath of England's woeful defeat against Scotland in their previous Six Nations match.

But Wilkinson, England's hero during their 2003 World Cup winning campaign, believes he will learn from his demotion, even if it means becoming used to a super-sub role....