Jonny Wilkinson told skysports.com that England’s ongoing RBS Six Nations campaign has provided a vital learning curve for the team.

England, who won their opening two games of the tournament but fell to a 20-16 defeat against Ireland in their last match, have come under fire for their overall performance in the competition.

However, fly-half Wilkinson, who will line up in Martin Johnson’s starting XV for the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland on Saturday, insists England’s triumphs outweigh their disappointment.

Struggle

“I’d struggle to remember a Six Nations where you wouldn’t have those two sides of things,” Wilkinson told skysports.com.

“Ultimately the ratio might have been slightly different in some years, and that’s higher and lower.

“I think for me there’s been an enormous amount of good stuff.”

Wilkinson, who himself has attracted criticism for uninspiring displays in the tournament so far, is adamant England are developing well as a team.

“I’ve really enjoyed so far the way the guys have come together as a team,” he added.

“I think that does mean huge inspiration going forward and I think what’s been great as well has been the learning curve.

“The development individually and as a team has been great to be a part of and so beneficial day to day, but also week to week, and I’m massively pleased with that.”

Improvement
Wilkinson, who is set to earn his 77th cap for England at Murrayfield, says on a personal note, self-improvement is as important as chasing victories.

“I’m in a stage of my career where more than ever I’m looking for development, I’m looking to get better, I’m not looking to come out of this and say, ‘Let’s clock up some wins’, although that’s exactly what you want,” said Wilkinson.

“I’m looking to come out of this and say ‘Yes, we want to win everything’ but at the same time I want to come out a better player and day to day I feel like I’m a better player for being here.”

Sky Sports