 Wilkinson is looking forward to the start of the new season |
Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson says he has changed his kicking style in order to end his injury nightmare. The 27-year-old has been plagued by a host of injuries since kicking England to World Cup glory in 2003.
He has not played for his country since but hopes that his new technique will keep him fitter for longer this season.
"In terms of goalkicking, the mechanics of my body, the strain on my groin from years of bashing balls around needed to be changed," he said.
"One muscle was tearing repeatedly under pressure, causing a succession of setbacks.
"I have managed to 'switch off' that muscle by altering my kicking style and the way I practise.
 | I am looking forward to my next game in a way that I have not looked forward to rugby in my life before |
"I am not working any less in terms of preparation but there is more rest time and more enjoyment time."
Wilkinson, who travels with his Newcastle team to Northampton on Sunday for their first game of the season, says his injury setbacks have given him a different perspective on rugby.
And he insists that his new laid-back attitude will not see him obsess about regaining his England place.
"It would mean a huge amount to play for England again," he said. "But three years is a long time.
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"If it happens it will mean a great deal more to me if I have earned it and I deserve to be there.
"I am happy enough now with my slight turnaround in outlook to say 'what will be will be'.
"I can go out there and play my best and I know what is good enough in my head, if it is not good enough for anyone else then so be it.
"I just want the chance to prove myself again. That is enough for me, it is more important to give a good account of myself.
"I am looking forward to my next game in a way that I have not looked forward to rugby in my life before."
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Jonny Wilkinson's place kicking masterclass