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| | Wednesday, 6 November, 2002, 03:48 GMT Wilkinson sounds Spencer alert
The Kiwi fly-half has been in superb form for Auckland, who recently claimed the NPC title, and has been rewarded with a place in the starting XV for Saturday's clash at Twickenham. In his exclusive column for BBC Sport Online, Wilkinson said that Spencer could help to ignite the visitors, who were the last team to defeat England on home turf three years ago. "Carlos has been in great, great form and we all recognise that he could be a danger on Saturday," wrote Wilkinson. "He fully deserves to be there and brings an enormous amount of class to the game." The Newcastle captain, who will be making his 36th appearance for England on Saturday, admitted that Spencer will present a unique personal challenge. "I intend to give Carlos a great deal of respect," he added. "He has all the strength and character that you need to succeed. "And to have someone of Mehrtens' class on the bench could just give him the edge he needs."
Wilkinson also warned that Neil Back's relegation to the bench was a lesson for the entire England squad. After five years of service, England coach Clive Woodward has opted to drop the Lions hero in favour of youngster Lewis Moody. "I used to ask some of the more experienced players, such as Mike Catt and Jason Leonard, whether it gets any easier playing for England," Wilkinson wrote. "Neil Back will tell you the answer. It's a resounding 'no'. "I do feel for Backy. After five years in the side he'll be starting one of the great games on the bench. "As a player he's one of the best I've ever taken the field with and, yet, he's no longer certain of commanding a Test place. "It's a lesson for us all." | |
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