Wilkinson rose to acclaim from 2001 to 2003, before and during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was acknowledged as one of the world’s best rugby players. Wilkinson played for England in matches against Australia, the United States and Canada as the 1999 World Cup approached. He was then capped another three times for England during the end of year internationals. The incomplete 2001 Six Nations Championship was concluded in October, with England playing Ireland. in a match against Australia for the Cook Cup in November, Wilkinson scored all of England’s points in their 21-15 victory at Twickenham. The Falcons were in Pool 6 in the 2001-02 Heineken Cup, and won one match, finishing fourth in the pool. He scored a try (although he commented later that the chip he kicked over the New Zealand defence was in fact meant for Jason Robinson to receive), kicked two successful conversions and three penalty goals, as well as a drop goal.
