What is Rugby?

Once the darling of English rugby and architect of the 2003 World Cup (see the ‘kick heard round the world’ in the video above), Jonny Wilkinson (biography) suffered years of injury-stricken absence from the top English national side, though remained influential in England’s uninspired defense of their title at the 2007 World Cup.

Despite making the 2007 World Cup final, England’s world ranking has dropped from 1st (2003) to a record low of 8th (2009). Apparently, as goes Wilkinson’s form, so goes England’s world rankings.

IRB World Rankings, 2003-2010

Having just renewed his contract with French Top 14 club Toulon, Wilkinson returned to the English fold today in impressive form in the centenary match against the Welsh at Twickenham.

He was quick to the contact area, deft in distribution, and perfect in his goal kicking. Most importantly, he didn’t get injured and brought home a deserved 30-17 win for his country.

While there is a lot of Six Nations actions remaining in the coming weeks, England will be making a strong run to win the Championship if Wilkinson can tighten up his clearing kicks, remain healthy and keep today’s form.

That’s a lot of ‘ifs’, but I think today’s match marks the resurrection of Wilkinson and likely means we’ll be seeing him in England’s 2011 World Cup squad.