Where are the five players who were dubbed the next Jonny Wilkinson?

Many fans still consider the English World Cup winner as the greatest player in history after his time with Newcastle Falcons and Toulon.

Due to his stellar reputation and unique playing style, the English national team have been desperate to find the heir to Wilkinson's throne. Over the years, five players have received the label and it's safe to say that their journeys have been rather different.

As such, we'll start with the first man who was dubbed the next Jonny Wilkinson.

To make matters worse, Flood was coached by the England star as a schoolboy. He then emerged as a hot prospect at Newcastle Falcons, taking the number 10 shirt during one of Wilkinson's long injury lay-offs before also breaking into the England set-up. This was always going to lead to lazy comparisons. Moving to Leicester in 2008 helped him forge his own identity, however, he never really escaped Wilkinson's sizable shadow.

Back in 2007, it was not a question of whether Cipriani would take over from Wilkinson, but when. The pair had big left boots, could create something out of nothing and had the ability to dictate and manage a game. However, it was at this point Cipriani's struggles began with discipline and despite recent form with Gloucester, it's now unlikely we'll see if the playmaker could match Wilkinson's achievements on the international stage.

This was a strange one. He was the next big thing at one point. Openly admitting Wilkinson was your hero growing up was always going to attract unwanted comparisons with Mike Catt echoing that when he played with Geraghty at London Irish.

It was a two-way battle between Geraghty and Flood to replace Wilkinson at this point. Funny thing is Wilkinson ultimately made a remarkable comeback with Toulon and replaced them both.

Another player who burst onto the scene at a young age. The hype when the teenager made his Harlequins quickly led to comparisons to Wilkinson, but these were quickly shot down by the England boss. “If you read the newspapers now he’s the next Jonny Wilkinson,” Eddie Jones said. “But he hasn’t done anything yet."

Well, now Smith is starting against the Springboks and is being mentored by whole else but Wilkinson. The 2003 World Cup winner, who also spent time with Saracens wing Max Malins, has previously worked with Farrell and George Ford on drop-in sessions during Jones’ tenure but it was the first time he has worked with Smith since the Harlequins fly-half won his first cap in July.

As a regular part of the England coaching staff, Wilkinson has helped turn Owen Farrell into one of, if not the best player in the world. Apart from their working relationship; their intensity, accurate placekicking and win at all costs demeanour has led to many comparisons, namely from 2003 World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Two INCREDIBLE players.