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On this day: Jonny Wilkinson breaks points record on England return

By PA
England's Jonny Wilkinson sits on the bench during the RBS 6 Nations match against Scotland at Twickenham, London. (Photo by David Davies - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

Jonny Wilkinson marked his international return with a record-breaking performance as England opened their Six Nations campaign with victory over Scotland at Twickenham, on this day in 2007.

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Wilkinson was back after injury and illness for his first England appearance since scoring the drop goal that had secured the 2003 World Cup.

And the fly-half delivered a man-of-the-match display, notching 27 points from a try, drop-goal, five penalties and two conversions, as the team beat Scotland 42-20 in their first match under Brian Ashton.

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Wilkinson’s haul was a new Calcutta Cup record, breaking Rob Andrew’s tally of 24 from 1995.

The then 27-year-old said: “Someone said I’d scored a few points and that’s good, but my job in the team is to kick goals.

“To be honest, at 7-3 down I would have taken a win at any cost. But fortunately for me the ball went over today and I came through it fine.

“It has been a great team day. I’m a big believer in what you get out is what you put in and I have prepared well.

“I prefer to go into games tired but heavily prepared and today was the reward for all the preparation I’ve done.”

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As well as Wilkinson, who was left bloodied from a cut lip sustained in a collision early on, there was also a comeback for Jason Robinson – the wing scored two tries in what was his first England appearance since retiring from Test rugby in 2005. Magnus Lund also crossed for Ashton’s side.

Scotland threatened a shock when Simon Taylor grabbed a first-half try, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for a second via replacement Rob Dewey.

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