Wilkinson back for England

Former England golden boy Jonny Wilkinson is back and will make an international return for the first time in 18 months against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

All eyes will be on Wilko, who has been back to his best since a move across the Channel to Toulon, as one of the few truly experienced heads in England's line-up.

The irony is that the injury-prone Wilkinson is one of the few players actually fit for selection. In all, 27 players are unavailable to Martin Johnson through injury as 11 of the initial 32-man squad had to pull out in the last few days with differing ailments.

England's No.10 might not be able to lead his side to victory over the Wallabies on his own but he will give it a damn good try. His kicking prowess will certainly keep them in the hunt if the visitors concede any penalties in kicking range and they'll be all too aware of their nemesis' abilities from the last two World Cups.

So, the majority of England's squad might be wrapped in bandages but Wilko is back, along with hooker Steve Thompson who returns from virtual retirement.

One can only hope that means a return to bigger and better things for England. The reality, though, is that England - now ranked only seventh in the world - will come unstuck against Australia, who boast a far more formidable line-up even without their own Wilkinson.

What do you make of Wilkinson's recall and can he recapture his best form and inspire an England win over Australia? Post your comments below...

Comments

[B Wylie]

Wilkinson has been gien a new lease of life in France but even he can't lift the current England team

[Matty P]

Wilkinson, Thompson, it don't matter. Bring on a Pom bashing.

[Wilf]

Wilkinson's return is not as remarkable as that of Steve Thompson. The guy was written off by doctors as a player and was on the scrapheap as a 29 yr old. But he's back and I bet he cant believe his luck. What a legend.
Game should be a close call. 26-19 to the Aussies sadly.

[steve]

England maybe a suprise package this weekend. If the forwards can gain any ascendancy then the backs have some real firepower. Wilkinsons game is complete. the attention is always focussed on his kicking - but he stands close to the gainline, he has excellant decision making skills and has the tools to make them work. His passing game is good, his running game is much under rated, remember he played at 12 before 10. with geraghty and the very dangerous hipkiss we could see england surprise a struggling wallaby team

[Sean, Sittingbourne]

I've never been that convincend by Wilkinson. The guys kicks a good penalty of that there's no question but look at the rest of his game. His tough tackling's had to dip because of his injuries while his game making has never been brilliant. He's way behind players like Dan Carter, Luke McAlister, Butch James in that regard. I know this is sacrilege to say this what with him having kicked us to the world cup but i've always found his game a bit limited. Sorry to say it guys and I hope he proves me wrong this weekend.

[TG]

EVEN IF HE WAS FIT HE'D BE MY FIRST-CHOICE FLYHALF. WENT OUT TO FRANCE TO WATCH HIM PLAY A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND THE BOY'S STILL MAGIC. KICKED EVERYTHING IN SITE, DIRECTED THE GAME AND HIT THE TACKLES LIKE THERE WAS NO TOMORROW. LEGEND.

[Tank]

It's absolute great to have wilkinson back. he's been a loyal servant for england and rarely put a foot wrong. i fear he won't win the game but he'll have a fair stab at it with the boot.
england's team hardly puts the fear of god into australia or anyone else for that matter but that's injury crises for you. looking forward to the match but fear it will be onesided

[Marie]

Go Jonny go go go. Love you.

[Phil in Maidtsone]

Knowing the Wallabies, they'll try to nail Wilko in the first five minutes because he's the one player who can sneak a win for England with his kicking. Still the best in the business - if he can stay fit