Modest Wilko reaps his reward

Jonny Wilkinson's 27-point haul in England's win represents a Calcutta Cup record.

Returning hero Jonny Wilkinson was typically modest in reacting to the news that his 27-point contribution to England's 42-20 victory over Scotland represented a Calcutta Cup record.

"Someone said I'd scored a few points and that's good, but my job in the team is to kick goals," said the fly-half, whose try, drop goal, five penalties and two conversions allowed him to break Rob Andrew's previous best figure of 24.

And Wilkinson, whose surprise presence in Brian Ashton's squad for the RBS Six Nations opener represented his first chance to pull on the England number 10 jersey in over three years, said the result was one both he and the side deserved.

"I'm pleased to come through the game unharmed and pleased to be back in the environment. I feel a little bit without purpose when I'm not able to strive at this level so that's been absolutely fantastic," Wilkinson continued.

"I wanted to produce an acceptable performance so I don't go into that regret zone.

"I'm not one to jump up in the air with both hands but just to say it is a good start. But I'm well aware that I believe I earned my right to play in this game.

"It has been a great team day. I'm a big believer in what you get out is what you put in and I have prepared well.

"I prefer to go into games tired but heavily prepared and today was the reward for all the preparation I've done."

With Wilkinson's last appearance for his country climaxing with the small matter of a World Cup-winning drop goal, it was little wonder that plenty of expectation surrounded his return.

And he did not disappoint, giving an assured performance that belied the catalogue of injuries that have plagued his career since England beat Australia in Sydney in November 2003.

But Wilkinson, who suffered a cut lip following an early collision with Scotland flanker Simon Taylor, explained that his past experiences had helped him cope with the inevitable pressure. 

"I've been through every side of this. I've been through the young guy with no chance, been through the World Cup and been through the never play again stuff," he said.

"In the end you just play the game, you react to what happens next because I of all people know that these things can be taken away so easily."