Wilkinson: Ready for big kick-off

After a spin class, a gym session and an afternoon racing America's Cup yachts, England took to the field on Friday for their first rugby training session since arriving in New Zealand.

England's spirits have been buoyed by their victory over Ireland in last Saturday's final World Cup warm-up international, their first in Dublin since 2003.

But Wilkinson warned that will count for nothing unless England get their preparations right before meeting the Pumas in Dunedin's new state-of-the-art stadium next Saturday.

"We are in a good position but we are under no illusions we need to be on the mark from the first kick-off and we have to make the most of the time before our first game," said Wilkinson.

"That includes putting together the calls, all the rhythm and connection between each other. You have to make the most of that time.

"Every second counts as it has done for the last four years but now is when it matters.

"Form is a good thing to have behind you but it only counts if you make it count."

Wilkinson is heading into his fourth Rugby World Cup and understands better the recipe for success better than most.

England have reached the last two World Cup finals, winning the Webb Ellis trophy in 2003 courtesy of Wilkinson's drop-goal and finishing runners-up four years ago.

Experience tells him that England's ability to adapt to the unexpected will be the biggest factor in their bid to win a second world title.

"You have to have an open mind and adapt to the path that opens up in front of you," said Wilkinson.

"That is the hardest bit. Four years ago the tournament became one of enormous pressure around field position, around those sort of things. You don't know that at the start.

"Nothing is decided until you get on the field and you get shown the best way to try and win the game. It is up to both teams to try and adapt to that.

"It is a combination of the ruthless edge mixed with being smart and switched on, to find the best way to win before the opposition does."

Meanwhile, Mark Cueto confirmed he has recovered from the back injury which forced him off the field early in England's Aviva Stadium victory.

The problem was affecting Cueto's acceleration and he knew he had to come off after being unable to sprint clear having picked off an interception.

But the injury settled down during the long flight and he intended on taking a full part in training today.

"It was a funny little injury. It was my back but it referred down to my quad," said Cueto.

"It was switching off the power in my quad. It was getting better through last week and I trained Thursday and Friday and although I wasn't 100%, I thought it would have been right by Saturday with the adrenalin.

"When I caught the interception I put my foot down to go and I just hobbled along. At that point I realised I wasn't doing anybody any favours.

"It was a shame to come off, although it was a great result for the boys. It was the right thing to do and not damage it any more.

"It has settled down really quickly. If anything the plane journey out here actually did it a lot of good."