KEY POINTS:
PARIS - Jonny Wilkinson, rugby's great perfectionist, pronounced himself satisfied with the balls to be used in Saturday's semi-final against France and said that the controversy over their condition was now off his radar.
Wilkinson and others had previously raised concerns about the variable behaviour of the balls and tournament officials admitted that some had been over-inflated in previous matches.
On Thursday, for the first time, the England first five-eighths and back-up kicker Toby Flood were allowed to practise with all six match balls at the Stade de France and had no complaints ahead of Saturday's clash (1900 GMT).
"We had a good opportunity to see and get used to the six match balls, that's what we wanted," Wilkinson told reporters at the stadium. "I don't leave practice until I'm happy where I am and I'm happy today."
Wilkinson, whose 12 points against Australia took him ahead of Scotland's Gavin Hastings as the highest scorer in World Cup history, said the whole issue was only as "big a deal as anyone wants to make it, but not that big a deal for me".
He said that some kicks he had missed in the tournament had surprised him but equally a couple had squeezed over that he was not so sure about.
"The key is to learn and to learn quickly and today was a nice change," he said. "I know how to kick and one of the toughest things in kicking is to understand where the fault lies. This week has been a real emphasis on controlling what I can control and appreciating that once the ball has gone your job has ended.
"My confidence doesn't change, I've been around long enough now to know what I'm doing."
Four years ago Wilkinson kicked all England's points in their 24-7 semi-final victory over France but said that game would have little bearing on Saturday's showdown.
"That was a good day but both teams have changed," he said. "We know how strong and balanced France are because we've played them three times this year. We know that this team is in as good shape as any French team we've seen, certainly in my time."
Of all the players from 2003, Wilkinson has probably changed the most after his three-year injury exile.
Less intense but just as fiercely competitive, the 28-year-old is soaking up the atmosphere this time round.
"I've been through the mill so many times, it's a case of sitting back and taking each of these occasions on merit," he said.
"It's a new outlook for me, it's great to be here. At Marseille, to see the (England) support outside the ground, it's incredible and it does give you a huge boost. It just backs up the pride, honour and privilege that's felt in playing for the country.
"Four years ago I would have been worried more about the balls, about my kicking percentage but after what I've been through I couldn't care less about those things.
"Instead I care about giving my all for this weekend and making sure it's one worth re-living, bearing in mind there might not be another one."
- REUTERS
