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.”
The remarks didn’t go unnoticed. England’s 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson responded with trademark sarcasm:
“I didn’t make any decisions either; it was all Matt Dawson.”
Meanwhile, Austin Healey jumped to Wilkinson’s defence, calling on critics — including Dawson — to back off.
“Get off Jonny Wilkinson’s case – and that includes you, Matt Dawson,” Healey insisted.
The debate highlighted the differing views among England’s 2003 heroes — and showed just how divisive even the most decorated fly-half in English rugby history could be.
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Matt Dawson
For many younger fans, Matt Dawson—the scrum-half whose perfect pass set up Jonny Wilkinson’s legendary drop goal—has become synonymous with the BBC sports quiz show A Question of Sport. Dawson served as a team captain during Sue Barker’s tenure as host, from 2004 to 2021.
Beyond the quiz show, he’s explored other media roles, finishing as runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing and competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2006.
Today, Dawson remains a familiar voice for the BBC, providing commentary on England games, contributing to the Rugby Daily podcast, and sharing his insights through regular columns.
Martin Johnson
Any Six Nations fan will know Martin Johnson’s journey after he famously led England to their historic 2003 World Cup and Grand Slam triumph.
Appointed as head coach in April 2008, the former powerhouse of the second row took the helm for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Six Nations campaigns. In 2011, on his third attempt, Johnson guided England to their first Championship victory since that unforgettable 2003 season.
Now 53, Johnson has shifted his influence to media, becoming one of the BBC’s top rugby analysts since the 2018 Six Nations. A dedicated American football enthusiast, he also previously contributed to ITV and the BBC’s coverage of Super Bowls XLI and XLVI
Phil Vickery
A former Gloucester and London Wasps prop, Phil Vickery called time on his career at the end of the 2010 Premiership season. The two-time British & Irish Lion was a revered opponent across the world, and has since started a successful clothing brand ‘Raging Bull’, with his on-field nickname. Vickery was forced into retirement due to a series of neck injuries, and in 2012 he joined Worcester Warriors as their Scrum Coach.
Vickery has also tried his hand at sports broadcasting, as he was apart of the commentary team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His on-screen appearances have also been witnessed across a variety of TV shows, including ‘Celebrity MasterChef’, which he won in 2011. An eternal fan favourite at Kingsholm Stadium, Vickery was appointed the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2015.
Jonny Wilkinson
Renowned for his iconic drop-goal that secured victory against Australia in the 2003 final, Wilkinson transitioned into a coaching role with Toulon, focusing on kicking and skills development following his retirement. He also now works as a pundit for ITV Sport during Rugby World Cup’s and the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood
Greenwood continued to shine on the international stage following the 2003 glory, and went on to represent the British & Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He ended his career at Harlequins in 2006, and soon gave his experienced views through analysis and punditry. Greenwood co-hosted the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ TV series with former Wales international Scott Quinnell, and was an on-screen analyst for ITV as England reached the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Will has also explored opportunities away from rugby, and is the current Chief Customer Officer for data and software company Afiniti’s London office. Greenwood’s family was struck with tragedy, after his son Freddie died just 45 minutes after being born. The former England centre underwent an inspirational walk to the North Pole in memory of his son, and helped to raise over £750,000 for Borne’s research. Greenwood is a patron of Borne, who are a medical research charity that work with cases of premature birth. He is also a patron of Child Bereavement UK, which is a charity that support parents who have lost a child.
Mike Tindall
Tindall, who earned an impressive 75 caps for England, held the distinction of being the final player from the 2003 squad to retire when he bid farewell to his playing career in 2014. Adding a touch of royalty to his life, he tied the knot with Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, in 2011.
Since then, he’s frequently spotted alongside royalty at various sporting events and public engagements, embodying a blend of athletic prowess and regal connections. He also presents The Good, The Bad, And The Rugby podcast.
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Ben Kay
Kay amassed 62 caps for England throughout his eight-year international career, retiring in the summer of 2010. Since then, he has contributed as an analyst for various prominent broadcasters and held a role as a non-executive director at Leicester Tigers from 2014 to 2021.
Neil Back
The openside flanker for England in 2003 transitioned to coaching roles post-retirement, notably at Leeds Carnegie and Rugby Lions. His tenure culminated in leading an undefeated 2011/12 season with Rugby Lions in the fifth tier, securing both a league title and cup victory. His last full-time coaching position was at Edinburgh, concluding in 2013.
Lawrence Dallaglio
Dallaglio has followed in the footsteps of Wilkinson and Dawson, becoming a well-known rugby pundit. He provided coverage for the Rugby World Cup on ITV in 2011.
Additionally, he is renowned for his philanthropic efforts, having founded the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation. This organisation aims to empower young people through sport and supports teenage cancer trusts by raising funds.
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