Former international Stuart Grimes has warned Scotland can ill-afford to write off Jonny Wilkinson ahead of tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup encounter at Murrayfield.
The previously feted England fly half has been criticised during his country’s stuttering six nations rugby campaign. The British and Irish Lion was identified as one of the culprits for England’s poor performance in the 17-12 victory in Italy and in the 20-12 defeat by Ireland at Twickenham that followed.
Former Scotland and Lions coach Jim Telfer did not hold back when he said the fly half was “playing a game from 10 years ago”.
Wilkinson is under pressure and Murrayfield is not an arena which contains happy memories. In 2008 the 30-year-old was removed with 10 minutes remaining as Scotland recorded a 15-9 victory and was subsequently dropped.
Grimes will not be fooled and believes Wilkinson will have a key role in the capital tomorrow.
The Aberdeen-born forward is better placed than most to judge Wilkinson having operated as his team-mate and coach at Newcastle Falcons for more than a decade until the latter’s move to Toulon last summer.
Grimes, who won 72 caps for Scotland, said: “You can never write off Wilkinson. He has been criticised but he is a determined character and he has the mental strength to put all of the stuff said to one side. He knows how to perform and is a big-game player. The criticism has mostly been about his decision making and perhaps relying on his kicking too much.
“His goal kicking has never been in doubt, you just need to look at his points total.
“I think it is going to be a nervy match. I cannot see too much free-flowing rugby, so it could come down to the goal kicking.
“I do not think anyone can disagree Wilkinson is one of the best kickers in the world.
“Scotland have to be wary of that and cannot afford to present him with too many opportunities. He will not be thinking about the last game at Murrayfield.”
Grimes is optimistic about Scotland’s chances of recording a third consecutive home victory against the Auld Enemy at Murrayfield.
But he knows England are formidable foes regardless of form.
He said: “I would have preferred if England were going into the game having beaten Ireland.
“Instead, they are stinging after a lot of criticism, which makes them dangerous.
“Scotland have played well in periods of the six nations championship without getting results.
“We all know Scotland should have finished off Wales in Cardiff but there were mitigating circumstances.
“The Italy game was a stalemate but for one break and could have gone Scotland’s way.
“If they maintain discipline this is a game Scotland can win.”