By Simon Austin

Fitzpatrick says Wilkinson is a long-term appointment

All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick says Jonny Wilkinson must continue to focus on his own game despite being named as England's new captain.

Wilkinson will not have played for England for almost a year when he takes charge against Canada on 13 November.

Fitzpatrick said: "As captain, you've got to make sure your game's in shape before you look at the others.

"If you think of all the good captains, they're people who play well themselves and lead by example."

He added: "If he can do that, the players will thrive on that example and follow him."

Fitzpatrick led New Zealand a record 51 times and at two World Cups, and is regarded as one of the All Blacks' greatest ever skippers.

And he thinks Wilkinson has the attributes to become a fine leader for England.

"The first thing you need is a captain with the respect of the players around him, and that's something he's definitely got.

You can be a born leader, but you can't be a born captain Sean Fitzpatrick

"Second, you need to be respected by the opposition, and he's got that.

"So he's off to a good start, he's probably a good choice.

"Long-term, they're thinking he's a player who's going to be around for a while, and they need that stability.

"Andy Robinson's obviously looking toward to the next World Cup.

"Wilkinson is a player that - if he's injury free - will definitely be around then."

Fitzpatrick had played for the All Blacks for six years before being made their captain in 1992.

And he says he had to grow into the role over time.

"I wasn't a natural captain, at that level anyway - I don't think anyone is.

"It's not going to happen overnight, you've got to firstly play well. That's the first thing I learnt.

"I'm sure you can be a born leader, but you can't be a born captain.

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"I'd just say to him 'play your own game and enjoy it, make the most of the opportunity'.

"If he's not totally comfortable with the position at the moment, it's one that he'll grow into, that's for sure."

And Fitzpatrick thinks Wilkinson should adopt the best parts of the captaincy styles of his illustrious predecessors, Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio, and mould them into his own style.

I think the leading by example thing is his strong point, and hopefully those around him will take inspiration From Hermann Have your say on Scrum V

"I'm sure he'll take things from them. He's got to say 'I like what he did, and I like what he did, and this is what I'm good at, so this is what I'll do."

After their gentle opener against Canada, England face sterner tests against South Africa and then Australia at Twickenham.

And they are likely to start as underdogs against the southern hemisphere sides after being heavily beaten by the Wallabies and the All Blacks this summer.

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But Fitzpatrick argues they have a good chance, despite the retirements of several of their World Cup winning side.

"On paper England still have a very good team," Fitzpatrick said.

"It's just making sure that the players are ready and have the right environnment to succeed."