In Australia, they always did say that  England were a one-man band. And in many ways Jonny Wilkinson’s first World Cup game since the Poms snaffled the Webb Ellis trophy from the Wallabies in 2003 seemed to emphasise the point.

The ever-injured fly-half booted 24 points in a 44-22 triumph over Samoa’s battering rams in Nantes to set up a head-to-head with Tonga for the runners-up spot in Pool A.

And while skipper Martin Corry and dusky wing Paul Sackey both scored two tries to earn their side a bonus point, in the eyes of the English media it was Wilko’s game.

'Wilkinson’s record is pretty tasty despite all those injuries. He’s now completed 1,000 Test points and 200 in the World Cup'


Well, not just the English media because Samoa coach Michael Williams conceded: ‘’His presence lifts the whole England team when he's there and he's a machine when it comes to his kicking game. Any infringement, he really punished us."

In fairness, Wilkinson’s record is pretty tasty despite all those injuries. He’s now completed 1,000 Test points and 200 in the World Cup despite playing in only eight of England last 43 internationals.

The equation now is simple - it’s a winner-take all battle between England and Samoa in Paris on Friday for the right to join South Africa in the last eight. Both teams are locked on the same number of points and England coach Brian Ashton insists his stuttering troops are more than ready for what he described as ‘’a fight to the death.’’

Saturday’s performance against Samoa was their best of the tournament so far (not that that would be difficult) - and having Wilkinson to orchestrate tactics made a huge difference.

Ashton conceded: "We've had two indifferent performances to say the least (referring to the 28-10 win over the USA and the 36-0 drubbing by the Springboks). Today was a step in the right direction.’’

On the evidence of Tonga’s performance against South Africa in Lens earlier in the day, England will have to climb a few more steps if they are to oust Samoa’s South Pacific neighbours.

The Tongans followed up their wins over Samoa and the USA by testing South Africa to the full in Lens before going down 30-25.

The Boks - whose previous performances had been mightily impressive - made the mistake of fielding a weakened side and were nearly made to pay for it. They trailed 10-7 at one point in the second half and it was only when coach Jake White brought on his big-name stars that they got the measure of the tough-tackling Tongans.

The arrival as replacements of skipper John Smit, Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield and Percy Montgomery turned the tide as they scored three quick tries. But Tonga replied with two of their own, leaving White to confess: "My substitutes saved me and I’m very relieved.’’

One thing is for sure. England won’t be leaving their big names on the bench against Tonga’s bruisers. And now that they’ve sampled the strength of South Seas rugby they’ll be confident of surviving another monsoon.

If 24-carat Wilkinson doesn’t suffer another injury scare before the big day, that is.

Can England dispose of Tonga and if so, do they have any chance of beating Australia in the quarter-final? Post your comments below or write an article if you prefer.