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Flood and Wilkinson will both start against France. Tom Hevezi/AP/Press Association Images
Game on

Wilkinson and Flood will hold shoot-out to determine first-choice kicker

The duo’s rivalry has existed for a long, long time… Now it’s personal (sort of).

IT’S A BATTLE that people have been talking about since before the World Cup even began – Jonny Wilkinson versus Toby Flood.

And while Martin Johnson has now evaded the issue by selecting both players to start asgainst France, their playing in the same side poses a new question: who will be first-choice kicker?

Wilkinson and Flood have consequently opted to compete in a private kickoff in order to determine who earns the right to take the kicks on Saturday.

Speaking on their rivalry, Wilkinson told reporters:

“It’s safe to say Toby has knocked some great kicks over already, he’s looking good and he’s in fine form. We’ll see how he’s preparing and I’m preparing. I’m always confident. I’m never afraid to take them. There have been two kicks in this tournament I wouldn’t mind taking back but the rest I’ve been happy with. It’s important that whatever decision we make is for the team.”

Wilkinson is only six points off Dan Carter’s all-time Test record of 1,250 points, however his kicking has been erratic during this World Cup.

The 32-year-old has only made nine out of 20 successful kicks, while Flood, by contrast, has landed 10 of his 13 attempts so far.

For more information, read The Guardian>

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