Wilkinson - English rugby's first real superstar
WHERE DOES WILKO RANK?
By Mark Staniforth, PA Sport
Jonny Wilkinson is English rugby's first superstar whose decisive intervention
in the 2003 World Cup final will never be forgotten.
But like many English sporting greats he is a quiet man who may shy away from
some of the publicity to which he will now be subjected.
PA Sport looks at where Wilkinson will rank among the rest of the country's
contemporary sporting greats.
JONNY WILKINSON
Talent: Simply one of the greatest rugby union players of all time. Would walk
into most all-time XIs with his astonishing kicking ability.
Charisma: Workaholic Wilkinson has sacrificed many of the trappings of fame in
his pursuit of excellence. May be something of a reluctant celebrity.
Popularity: Millions of Englishmen will never forget his final kick and
already identify with his down-to-earth approach. Destined to become an icon in
the Geoff Hurst mould.
DAVID BECKHAM
Talent: Some argue that in the context of the world game Beckham is more
talismanic than talented. An important presence in any team, but hard to justify
his inclusion in a world XI on ability alone.
Charisma: Beckham has transcended his sport to become its first modern global
superstar. Is sought by big clubs for marketing potential as much as ability. An
icon by invention.
Popularity: We love him or loathe him. Some see Beckham as living embodiment
of all that is brilliant about the beautiful game. Others are rather less
convinced.
LENNOX LEWIS
Talent: The best heavyweight in the world - but that does not say much these
days. History will judge Lewis more harshly, as the best of a bad bunch but
barely grazing the greatest lists.
Charisma: Lewis is, frankly, a turn-off. He has done nothing to combat
long-time charges of being aloof and arrogant. Only his once-lofty status will
leave him in demand when he hangs up his gloves.
Popularity: British boxing fans have latched on to Lewis and always support
him in big fights abroad. But he has never been as popular as Frank Bruno and
outside sport the wider view is largely one of disinterest.
MICHAEL VAUGHAN
Talent: Vaughan burst onto the scene last year and emerged as a world-class
young batsman. Still needs to prove he can keep scoring with the added pressure
of captaincy on his shoulders.
Charisma: Has already caused a stir by laying into the county system and
appears to be an open individual who is not afraid to speak his mind.
Potentially big profile if England start winning.
Popularity: Vaughan was most certainly the people's choice as replacement for
Nasser Hussain and will count on unstinting support for some time yet. A general
feeling that he might be the one.
COLIN MONTGOMERIE
Talent: Montgomerie has famously never won a major - but his consistently
close attempts still mark him out as one of the finest golfers Britain has ever
produced.
Charisma: Monty's taciturn demeanour and propensity to fly off the handle make
him a marketing man's nightmare. But they will argue that at least he has
something about him.
Popularity: Became a British favourite the moment the Americans started their
anti-Montgomerie campaign. Well supported over here, but will always be more
admired than loved.
MATTHEW PINSENT
Talent: Unquestionably one of the greatest rowers ever as his growing Olympic
gold medal will testify. Proving himself all over again after the retirement of
his long-time team-mate Steve Redgrave.
Charisma: An intelligent and educated man, Pinsent is made for an eventual
career in TV. Always a favourite when the Olympics come around.
Popularity: Having stepped out of Redgrave's colossal shadow Pinsent will be
one of the biggest stars in the build-up to the Athens Olympics. Another gold
would lift him even higher.
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