Fear drives England on

Jonny Wilkinson has revealed that the fear of failure is driving England on at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

England have begun their 2011 World Cup campaign with unflattering wins over Argentina and Georgia and have attracted criticism from the media for their of-the-field antics. But Wilkinson is focussed on the task at hand and recognises that failure is not an option.

“Sooner or later next week doesn't appear for a team in the World Cup,” said England’s fly-half.

“We just have to make sure we don't leave ourselves in that position.”

Wilkinson spoke about his memories of a quarter-final defeat to South Africa in 1999. Following the loss the players returned home to play for their clubs.

“We got knocked out in the quarter-finals and the next week of the semi-final was possibly one of the coldest, rainiest days we had at Newcastle,” added Wilkinson.

“If you don't get these things right, there comes a time when you do the analysis and say, 'We've got to be better next time'. But the next time is four months along the line in the Six Nations - it's not next week.”

England are currently available to back at betting odds of 12/1 with Stan James (Go to Stan James ») to win the World Cup and are 15/8 to reach their third consecutive World Cup final.

Written By:- Francis (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 21/09/2011 - 10:28 AM
Filed in:- Rugby Union Betting News