By some margin the best defensive 10 ever, with all others judged against him and found wanting in many respects. There have been a few hard hitting 10's, but none as consistent, as tactically aware defensively or as brave in putting their bodies on the line. Any back row in a side with Jonny could ignore his channel as a weakness, which gave them so many more options, and opposition knew it was a waste of time targeting him, and that allowed him time and space. He got even better once he had the surgery on his dodgy shoulders even though it robbed England of his talent for almost 4 years when he was in his prime. Very few foreign players go to France and become respected and adored as though he were a Frenchman, and even fewer Englishmen.
I grew up playing rugby at school (pretty well, if I say so myself) but watching England games that were full of flimsy mistackles, grabbing of shirts, pushing and just plain, simple misses. It was a constant frustration. Then Johnny Wilkinson appeared on the scene. He didn't let anyone through. Not only that, he made them think twice before trying it on again. He tackled man AND ball, breaking down the other team's next phase and interrupting its rhythm. His tackles were often so hard that he made the other team lose possession. I had always thought that rugby could be played to a higher standard, and Johnny was the living, walking proof.
With his tremendous kicking, it's easy to forget what a brilliant player he was in the rest of the game. His defensive game was easily a match for his kicking. One of the best players of all time. Great skill, determination and focus.
As you get older - new generations are often only interested in the current or new. It’s difficult to articulate the measure of this brilliant young man. His skill. Commitment. Bravery. Intelligence. Character. Thoughtfulness. A very special human. I have to say - I LOVE seeing this cerebral number ten SMASHING back row players in half - and burly centres who trade off their ‘physical presence.’
DVN I've heard scotsmen say it. I've also heard Matt Giteau talk about tackling Wilkinson in 03 thinking he'd be a national hero if he hurt him, then working with Wilkinson in Toulon and coming to admire him for his discipline and unending self improving efforts.
@@jackfaulkner2688 giteau actually commented about wilko with tinds and hask on house of rugby talking about how wilko was vastly underrated for his overall game
Unfortunately, he did care about the injuries. There was an incident where he had a panic attack on the sidelines because he was so worried he'd done in his Cruciate Ligament.
@@MegaHariboboy well thats understandable. My point was that as a fly half (and not a massive guy) he didnt have to try to hit like a truck but he did anyways.... gave himself plenty of damage because of it like his famous 'stingers'
players like him are seen rarely once in a generation intelligent man who could literally control a game with his mindset special players and an unbelievable work ethic he's up there one of the all time greats :)
As a Wales supporter I want to diss him, but just can't. He was the best 10 I ever saw play, and we take a real pride in our tens here in Wales. I felt for him too when he fessed up about the hat-fires he had after quitting rugby. Hell of a guy.
Thank fuck there is a South African who understands. Wilkinson is a legends, and it's partly because of his tackling that he is, yet when Owen Farrell did the same sort of tackle vs SA, everyone went nuts and he got a load of hate...
F.offandstopasking mequestions well I think, the best no 10 ever at tackling. Cant name anyone better. Carter is definitely a very good defender, but not the strongest.
It's quite incredible he can just stop a a 6"4 fella, 18 stone like that despite being 5"11 and 14 stone! He's obviously worked out a way to generate as much power as possible and just manages to release it at the perfect time. Must have obliterated his body in figuring that out.
+Greylin91 Looks like it's timing and belief in himself. The smallest bloke on the field can take down the biggest. As the old saying goes: "It's not the biggest dog in the fight, but the biggest fight in the dog."
Poua Kai I think this is a moot point because of course 60kgs difference in size is going to annihilate even the largest opposition forward on the field. Jonny showed that he has the courage and heart of a lion to even try and take him down on his own
The one i remember is at 3.20. England were winning by miles and it was the last minute or so but he still threw himself into a tackle that injured his dodgy shoulder again
Great video man! You've obviously watched a lot of footage very closely, i saw some hits from Toulon and the early 2000s i thought no one else knew about... this is awesome.
Your last big hits video was about a 6'4, 17 stone man who runs 40m in about 4.9 seconds. Here, we have one about a 5'10, 14 stone man, and it's arguably even better. Haters: tell me again about how Wilkinson is overrated.
@@newspaper9949 ridiculous comment. He played to what I believe was his level best, more of the same would t make him better than Carter with ball in hand 🤷🏼♂️
+Aeron Giles ... Ask Colin Meads. Pinetree made it very clear who he would rather have in his side. DC was wonderful but Jonny just had that edge about him.
“You might of heard of him? Former England captain and Toulon player Jonny is probably the closest thing I’ve seen to the perfect rugby player.” Dan Carter ,New Zealand.
A "Big Hits" montage for a Flyhalf? I don't think there will be another player worth making one of. Great video, I would love to see an "exodus" tribute for all the All Blacks leaving/retiring after the World Cup, a compilation video/s would be a great way to bring in players like Jeremy Thrush and Ben Franks who can't really justify having a video to themselves.
The best pound-for-pound tackler ever I would say. Hard to underestimate his influence. So often sides decide to send their big runners at the No 10. Not much point with Wilkinson.
Ok, I just recently got into rugby, and basically knew him as a kicker.. but damn, that's some great play. At the right place, and tougher than he might look. I reckon some of those hits would be under question with the new regulations, though.
Dan Carter takes the best all round no 10 of all time BUT Jonny Wilkinson hit harder and had more injuries from his bravery. I always thought , if he had looked after his body he would have had scored the most points in history
You cant change the way someone aproaches the game. He was physical and that takes a toll on every rugby player... Specially a small one. Eventhough I think most of the injuries come from hes mental struggles, not directly of course.
@@MrAnamchara sorry I wrote that high us fuck yesterday. Definitely not, may affect a bit the way You play but will not damage your shoulder jaja, but seeing how brilliant he was it did not affect him that much for sure
I'm one of his biggest fans but a few of these tackles would probably be cards now (maybe a couple of reds). What the commentators were describing as great tackles would be talked of very differently at this world cup. It's still fantastic to watch these hits though and any card issued to him would have been in complete contrast to his character.
Wilkinson was a number 10 who could dictate the game, kick and tackle!!! This is why he is so much better than Farrell and Ford who aren't the full package like Jonny was
Was just thinking how many of those tackles would now be a red or yellow card. We won't be seeing many collisions like these any more. Will just have to reminisce on RUclips.
I get why you'd miss the old rules,but I prefer the new ones as they are a lot safer, can still have big hits but allows the players to become grandparents without suffering from CTE.
Wow - I will always remember his tackle on Bergamasco the Italian flanker who was a great player himself - he had a run up, size and momentum on his size - when i first saw it - I thought the had killed him, Bergo's head thrown back. Unbelievable commitment to the tackle and no one on this planet can deny the strengths he brought to the game. Great great player and a genuinely good guy. For you footballers out there - hmmm why not stop the cheating, play acting bollocks and man up! It really is pathetic and spoils the game. You might as well call football 'sports entertainment' and get the match choreographed :-)
Make a video for nro. 10 argentine Nicolas Sanchez - The Killer - top scorer of 2014 Rugby Championship and man of the match last weekend when Los Pumas beated Les Bleus in Paris with his penalties and 3 superb drops!
lrgonzalez2012 it's definitely a possibility bro,he's had an amazing year. I'm half way through making a Joaquin Tuculet | 2014 video which will be out in about a week or so :)
Greatest defensive fly half to play the game of rugby.
Carter by miles
You couldn't be more right.
butch james?
Dylan Muir hahaha hahaha, just had to change my incontinence pants when I saw that...
By some margin the best defensive 10 ever, with all others judged against him and found wanting in many respects. There have been a few hard hitting 10's, but none as consistent, as tactically aware defensively or as brave in putting their bodies on the line. Any back row in a side with Jonny could ignore his channel as a weakness, which gave them so many more options, and opposition knew it was a waste of time targeting him, and that allowed him time and space. He got even better once he had the surgery on his dodgy shoulders even though it robbed England of his talent for almost 4 years when he was in his prime. Very few foreign players go to France and become respected and adored as though he were a Frenchman, and even fewer Englishmen.
I grew up playing rugby at school (pretty well, if I say so myself) but watching England games that were full of flimsy mistackles, grabbing of shirts, pushing and just plain, simple misses. It was a constant frustration.
Then Johnny Wilkinson appeared on the scene. He didn't let anyone through. Not only that, he made them think twice before trying it on again. He tackled man AND ball, breaking down the other team's next phase and interrupting its rhythm. His tackles were often so hard that he made the other team lose possession. I had always thought that rugby could be played to a higher standard, and Johnny was the living, walking proof.
With his tremendous kicking, it's easy to forget what a brilliant player he was in the rest of the game. His defensive game was easily a match for his kicking. One of the best players of all time. Great skill, determination and focus.
England, you owe Jonny one body
As you get older - new generations are often only interested in the current or new. It’s difficult to articulate the measure of this brilliant young man. His skill. Commitment. Bravery. Intelligence. Character. Thoughtfulness. A very special human.
I have to say - I LOVE seeing this cerebral number ten SMASHING back row players in half - and burly centres who trade off their ‘physical presence.’
If you hear someone say Jonny Wilkinson could only kick, its like saying "I don't really watch rugby".
DVN I've heard scotsmen say it. I've also heard Matt Giteau talk about tackling Wilkinson in 03 thinking he'd be a national hero if he hurt him, then working with Wilkinson in Toulon and coming to admire him for his discipline and unending self improving efforts.
+DVN Huh? We say Wilko is only good at tackling and kicking, when compared to Carter.
@@tyonaminBetter at tackling and kicking*
@@jackfaulkner2688 giteau actually commented about wilko with tinds and hask on house of rugby talking about how wilko was vastly underrated for his overall game
Unheard of a fly half dropping people like that ... .. never be another like him.
man there's Owen Farrell doing the same exact thing and getting hate for it now. Games gone soft
@@jonathanwise4047 Where are the late tackles? Apart from the Bergamasco one what was illegal?
Head Nicka In Charge obviously we aren’t talking bout the same dude so shut the fuck up bitch
George Ford puts them in
@@lutherblissett9070 At least 50% of those tackles would be yellow or red cards by today’s standards. No complaints back in the naughtiest.
Commandment #7 - Thou shall not run into Johnnys shoulders. You'll get fucked
My fav Englishman, coming from a kiwi. Fearless and very modest.
Haha awesome! :) Look at 0:53 - The number 5 is just smiling to himself, he's like "sorry bro, you broke commandment #7..." :D
Shouldn't it be commandment 10? ;)
Perfect example of technique and bravery. Put his body where it would hurt and didn't care about the injuries. Legend.
Unfortunately, he did care about the injuries. There was an incident where he had a panic attack on the sidelines because he was so worried he'd done in his Cruciate Ligament.
@@MegaHariboboy well thats understandable. My point was that as a fly half (and not a massive guy) he didnt have to try to hit like a truck but he did anyways.... gave himself plenty of damage because of it like his famous 'stingers'
A lot of his hits would be deemed illegal now - but what a force he was.
+Tom Farrow Yes Richie is a good example - and he got away with absolute murder in the 2011 final - ask France.
***** Yes they were - far too much respect.
players like him are seen rarely once in a generation intelligent man who could literally control a game with his mindset special players and an unbelievable work ethic he's up there one of the all time greats :)
GOAT. There will never be another player like this.
What an incredible player and all round bloke he was. His neck and shoulders must be ruined. One of Rugby's legends
As a Wales supporter I want to diss him, but just can't. He was the best 10 I ever saw play, and we take a real pride in our tens here in Wales. I felt for him too when he fessed up about the hat-fires he had after quitting rugby. Hell of a guy.
Johnny Wilkinson and Owen Farrel are my 2 favorite players of all time....im South African btw
Thank fuck there is a South African who understands. Wilkinson is a legends, and it's partly because of his tackling that he is, yet when Owen Farrell did the same sort of tackle vs SA, everyone went nuts and he got a load of hate...
Wow I didn't realise he was so tough. Loved that little voice over at the end, as well. Great vid.
thanks bud!
Johnny Wilkinson was a jack russell disguised as a rugby player. Absolutely zero chill.
Yes jonny is know for his kicking and passing but for me he has to be one of the best tacklers rugby has ever seen.
F.offandstopasking mequestions well I think, the best no 10 ever at tackling. Cant name anyone better. Carter is definitely a very good defender, but not the strongest.
Legend ! Amazing Flyhallf and such a huge defender and tackler, tough guy
It's quite incredible he can just stop a a 6"4 fella, 18 stone like that despite being 5"11 and 14 stone! He's obviously worked out a way to generate as much power as possible and just manages to release it at the perfect time. Must have obliterated his body in figuring that out.
+Greylin91 Looks like it's timing and belief in himself. The smallest bloke on the field can take down the biggest. As the old saying goes: "It's not the biggest dog in the fight, but the biggest fight in the dog."
Poua Kai I think this is a moot point because of course 60kgs difference in size is going to annihilate even the largest opposition forward on the field. Jonny showed that he has the courage and heart of a lion to even try and take him down on his own
Yes, Jonathan was a unique no.10, pure class in every possible aspect. One of the great gifts from France to England...
*England to France
what couldn't he do? true legend
Indeed, thank you Jonny. And thank you Mothertrucker Jones for this nice compilation.
This guy was my hero growing up!
At 5ft10in you really need huge balls to tackle like that and you need even bigger talent to actually succeed.
Respect from Italy!
Johnny's just about one of the best rugby player ever
The one i remember is at 3.20. England were winning by miles and it was the last minute or so but he still threw himself into a tackle that injured his dodgy shoulder again
For me the best rugby player (I'm french, but we never have players like that in France)
Immensely strong for an average sized player, as well as possessing great skill and technique. A true legend of the game.
Brilliant fly half. Technical appreciation exemplified man.
Lowered stance, good centre of gravity, hits with the shoulder and drives up with his whole body. Animal.
Every young man who wants make it playing rugby has to watch how Johnny tackled ! Just incredible!
Great video man! You've obviously watched a lot of footage very closely, i saw some hits from Toulon and the early 2000s i thought no one else knew about... this is awesome.
kg2120ify thanks man! Yeah I took a while to find all of it, I certainly didn't want to leave any out aha
Bloody love him. No wonder he was always broken.😟
Your last big hits video was about a 6'4, 17 stone man who runs 40m in about 4.9 seconds. Here, we have one about a 5'10, 14 stone man, and it's arguably even better. Haters: tell me again about how Wilkinson is overrated.
One of the greatest 10 ever but I cringe every time someone compares him to Carter. So in that sense he is overrated by many.
I think if you compare Wilkos play to any other facet of the game bar physicality and hard tackling to Carter , you are right to cringe.
Tyonamin thing is if Wilko had played his whole career without injuries he probs would have been better than carter.
@@newspaper9949 ridiculous comment. He played to what I believe was his level best, more of the same would t make him better than Carter with ball in hand 🤷🏼♂️
@@carlsworldofwisewords8907 Carter was good with ball in hand but the rest of his play was decidedly average.
The legend himself has arisen
best fly half to touch the game
+Pete n ...is dan carter by a country mile. I'll give Johnny his dues though. A pinpoint kicker and a fearless defender
Dan Carter by a country mile? I don't think so. Its up for debate for sure but no country mile ahead for either player.
+Aeron Giles ... Ask Colin Meads. Pinetree made it very clear who he would rather have in his side. DC was wonderful but Jonny just had that edge about him.
Aaron Giles Carlos spencer was better than carter. Even the kiwis didn't know what to do with him
@@jeremymerrifield7244 yes, a New Zealander picking another New Zealander, there's a surprise.
You are not running into the 10-12 channel if this boy is here
The only fly half in the modern game who love to smash people with big tackles
Tackling owen Farrell is really all rounder
That impact at 1:37 is legendary.
Well he is a legend so....
You must mean at 1:48 surely?!? 1:37 is nothing compared. I mean come on, really?
“You might of heard of him? Former England captain and Toulon player Jonny is probably the closest thing I’ve seen to the perfect rugby player.”
Dan Carter ,New Zealand.
i always told people this guy is way stronger then he looks.
That was the best thing about Jonny! His defence. No hiding your fly half in the defensive line... he led the line!
Wilkinson was a great player but his tackling technique took its toll.
He certainly batted above his weight defensively. No wonder he had so many injuries, putting his body on the line in front of much bigger players.
Im very proud to watch him play
He tackles extremely high and it's incredible how he gets them down like that
A "Big Hits" montage for a Flyhalf? I don't think there will be another player worth making one of. Great video, I would love to see an "exodus" tribute for all the All Blacks leaving/retiring after the World Cup, a compilation video/s would be a great way to bring in players like Jeremy Thrush and Ben Franks who can't really justify having a video to themselves.
And here ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Wilkinson, the real fucking deal.
unquestionably the greatest ever england player - not much competition sadly
He's the second best player ever :D
+cardigan3000 What?
+Mental Fuck the best no argument
Jonah Lomu is the best, then johnny
+Mental Fuck England player pal
My favourite video :)
Aha thanks bud!
Greatest fly half ever. You can see why he had so much trouble with his shoulders later on
Greatest 5/8 to play the game.
Awesome vid!
The best pound-for-pound tackler ever I would say. Hard to underestimate his influence. So often sides decide to send their big runners at the No 10. Not much point with Wilkinson.
Best 10 ever.
Amazing video as well, keep it up :)
***** thanks mate, fair few dislikes on here already though aha
Pound per pound, Wilko is the toughest ever.
It's sad that the tackle at 1:03 on Justin Bishop would probably get at least a yellow card nowadays. I think it's a perfectly good tackle!
There is a huge tackle that is missing in all the reels of john wilkinson tackles, the one on Nathan Grey!
Shame all these tackles are illegal now rugby has been ruined
great player, even DC named him best opponent ( when fit )
This was sick!
Nice work!
the best ever..
Ok, I just recently got into rugby, and basically knew him as a kicker.. but damn, that's some great play. At the right place, and tougher than he might look.
I reckon some of those hits would be under question with the new regulations, though.
One of the best
great video, thanks
Utter legend.
A seriously hard competitor
Dan Carter takes the best all round no 10 of all time BUT Jonny Wilkinson hit harder and had more injuries from his bravery. I always thought , if he had looked after his body he would have had scored the most points in history
You cant change the way someone aproaches the game. He was physical and that takes a toll on every rugby player... Specially a small one. Eventhough I think most of the injuries come from hes mental struggles, not directly of course.
Jose Ignacio Salamanca explain how his injuries came from his mental issues ?
@@MrAnamchara sorry I wrote that high us fuck yesterday. Definitely not, may affect a bit the way You play but will not damage your shoulder jaja, but seeing how brilliant he was it did not affect him that much for sure
Jose Ignacio Salamanca Ah the dreaded weed lol
such a beast
The 26 Idiots who don't like this video need to have a good look in the mirror. Honestly!
They're*
Picking someone up on their grammar doesnt invalidate a fair opinion.
The ultimate professional.
I'm one of his biggest fans but a few of these tackles would probably be cards now (maybe a couple of reds). What the commentators were describing as great tackles would be talked of very differently at this world cup. It's still fantastic to watch these hits though and any card issued to him would have been in complete contrast to his character.
Great video man!
Wilkinson was a beast.
I know the backing music is a remix of the battlefield theme, but can anyone link me to it? By far my favourite of all the versions done.
DunkdaHunk check the description
respect to wilkinson!!!!
Beat fly half ever.
Hang on a minute, is this the Battlefield music?!
Also great vid 😅👍
Look at 0:53 - The number 5 is just smiling to himself, he's like "sorry bro, you broke commandment #7..." :D
The Man.
The tackle at 1.44 is just a foul, apart from that, great material
Fearless
Love you Johnny
Wilkinson was a number 10 who could dictate the game, kick and tackle!!! This is why he is so much better than Farrell and Ford who aren't the full package like Jonny was
Was just thinking how many of those tackles would now be a red or yellow card. We won't be seeing many collisions like these any more. Will just have to reminisce on RUclips.
Phenomenal, but probably explains why he spent so much time injured.
That's true
legend
One of England and the Lions greats
Wilkinson , Gorgodze is coming ! :D Run , Run .. :D
Some of those would be borderline today.
If someone says Flyhalf can't make aggressive tackles...show them this video...
As a welshman, Johnny and Mike Tindall are the only English players I like, being retired helps tho haha
wilkinson was defo a one off.
What a player Strange chap but one hell of a player
A lot would probably be yellows today, what a joke tackling has become now
I get why you'd miss the old rules,but I prefer the new ones as they are a lot safer, can still have big hits but allows the players to become grandparents without suffering from CTE.
Wow - I will always remember his tackle on Bergamasco the Italian flanker who was a great player himself - he had a run up, size and momentum on his size - when i first saw it - I thought the had killed him, Bergo's head thrown back. Unbelievable commitment to the tackle and no one on this planet can deny the strengths he brought to the game. Great great player and a genuinely good guy.
For you footballers out there - hmmm why not stop the cheating, play acting bollocks and man up! It really is pathetic and spoils the game. You might as well call football 'sports entertainment' and get the match choreographed :-)
Imagine the shock they got the first time they tried to run over this 5'10 fly-half.
Would you upload a Brian Lima tribute? there aren't any in youtube. Congratulations from Spain!
Make a video for nro. 10 argentine Nicolas Sanchez - The Killer - top scorer of 2014 Rugby Championship and man of the match last weekend when Los Pumas beated Les Bleus in Paris with his penalties and 3 superb drops!
lrgonzalez2012 it's definitely a possibility bro,he's had an amazing year. I'm half way through making a Joaquin Tuculet | 2014 video which will be out in about a week or so :)