Today’s match in Cardiff will be Jonny Wilkinson’s ninth major final. His record is mixed but Sydney 11 years ago was the peak
Powergen Cup, May 2001, Newcastle 30 Harlequins 27
“Sensational game, sensational finish” is how the Rugby Paper described Wilkinson’s first domestic cup final. Quins had a three-point lead with 83 minutes on the clock at Twickenham only to see Newcastle fashion an attack from a last-gasp lineout. Dave Walder scored in the corner before the team’s young fly-half converted
Rugby World Cup, November 2003, Australia 17 England 20
The undisputed highlight of Wilkinson’s career and the moment he became the most recognisable player in the game. There were just 26 seconds of extra time left on the clock in Sydney when England’s No10, having already scored four penalties, struck that drop goal and secured England’s first world title
Rugby World Cup, October 2007, England 6 South Africa 15
The reigning world champions had begun the defence of their crown in dismal style but improved significantly enough to reach the final in Paris. There were hopes that Brian Ashton’s men could yet again triumph but instead they were thwarted by a strong South Africa side. Wilkinson recorded England’s only points at the Stade de France, with two penalties
Amlin Challenge Cup, May 2010, Cardiff Blues 28 Toulon 21
A real low moment for Wilkinson, who kicked two penalties and a conversion before injuring his back and collapsing in pain after missing a difficult penalty. He had to be taken off and could only watch from the sidelines as Toulon went on to lose to their Welsh opponents
Amlin Challenge Cup, May 2012, Biarritz 21 Toulon 18
A second Amlin final appearance for Wilkinson and this time he shone, converting five penalties and a drop goal. However, his efforts were not enough to secure the trophy for Toulon against Top 14 rivals. Dimitri Yachvili was the star of the contest, kicking seven penalties as Biarritz ran out narrow winners
Top 14, June 2012, Toulouse 18 Toulon 12
France’s domestic final ultimately became a contest of the kickers and sadly for Wilkinson, it was his opposite number, Luke McAlister, who won this particular battle. The New Zealander scored six penalties compared to Wilkinson’s four at the Stade de France
Heineken Cup, May 2013, Clermont Auvergne 15 Toulon 16
Wilkinson showed his ice-cool temperament in front of the posts by kicking 11 points in Toulon’s narrow victory over Top 14 rivals. The triumph in Dublin also secured a first Heineken Cup winner’s medal for the Englishman, something he described as being among the very finest achievements of his career
Top 14, June 2013, Toulon 14 Castres 19
The Heineken Cup was won but the 2012-13 season ended with a second successive domestic final loss for Wilkinson in France, and it was also a poor display by the veteran, who missed three penalties and a conversion in the contest. Castres, meanwhile, went on to secure their first French league title for 20 years
