England great Matt Dawson once caused a stir when he questioned Jonny Wilkinson’s natural playmaking instincts, despite the fly-half’s status as one of rugby’s all-time greats.
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Writing in a 2010 column, Dawson claimed Wilkinson lacked the innate ability to read the game and adapt on the fly.
“What is missing in his repertoire is an ability to read the game, understand where England are playing and where they should be playing,” Dawson wrote.
The former scrum-half suggested that Wilkinson thrived best when surrounded by strong decision-makers — not when left to direct the game himself.
“Wilkinson can play in the way that has been planned on a flip chart in team meetings, but if it comes down to him to work out on the hoof what options to take, more often than not he will kick — and miss opportunities to attack.”
Dawson added that Wilkinson’s success often depended on the influence of teammates such as Mike Catt, Will Greenwood, Kyran Bracken — or himself.
“Jonny needs players around him… to take decisions. Then he will execute them brilliantly.”
Those comments didn’t go unnoticed. England’s 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson delivered a trademark put-down in response:
“I didn’t make any decisions either; it was all Matt Dawson.”
Meanwhile, Austin Healey also leapt to Wilkinson’s defence, urging critics — including Dawson — to back off.
“Get off Jonny Wilkinson’s case – and that includes you, Matt Dawson,” Healey insisted.
The exchange underlined the contrasting views within England’s 2003-winning squad — and showed how even one of the most decorated fly-halves in rugby history could divide opinion.
EDITORS PICKS:
Fans can’t believe the Radio Times top 10 rugby union players of all-time list
#10. Antoine Dupont (France)
They wrote: “We know what you’re thinking – it’s far too early to add the award-winning French scrum-half to this greatest of all time list.
“But the Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.”
#9. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
They wrote: “With a career spanning over twenty years and five Rugby World Cups, the 39 year old Italian giant is the most-capped player in Guinness Six Nations history – and is still playing for Top 14 team Toulon today.”
#8. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
They wrote: “The winger’s total caps exceeded the 100 mark across his illustrious 12-year international career, dotting down 67 tries.
“He also famously equalled Jonah Lomu’s record for the highest number of tries scored at Rugby World Cups (15).”
#7. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
They wrote: “A legendary player in Welsh rugby history, Edwards led a formidable national team which largely dominated the Northern hemisphere.
“The hugely talented scrum-half was a gifted playmaker and an all-round sportsman. He’s best known for what is considered one of rugby’s greatest ever tries for the Barbarians against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park back in 1973.”
#6. Martin Johnson (England)
They wrote: “Best known for captaining the dominant 2003 England side to Rugby World Cup glory, the 6ft 7 towering skipper commanded a real presence on the pitch, with an enviable talent for reading the game.
“In 2001, Johnson became the first player to captain the British and Irish Lions twice, and was remarkably involved in all 10 Five/Six Nations tournaments since his debut. He also captained the Leicester Tigers to four successive Premiership titles.”
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