Wilkinson heads the England old guard
INJURY-PLAGUED Jonny Wilkinson is set to win his first England cap for 18 months on Saturday after boss Martin Johnson opted to stick with the old guard for the visit of Australia.
Wilkinson, 30, is rewarded for his excellent form with Toulon this season by being named as one of three World Cup winners selected by Johnson, who captained the side in 2003.
Veteran hooker Steve Thompson makes his first Test start since 2006, while flanker Lewis Moody is also drafted in to add experience to an otherwise youthful and injury-hit side, which has no fewer than 27 players unavailable.
Number eight Jordan Crane and inside centre Shane Geraghty earn first Test starts, while Bath prop David Wilson makes only his second.
Uncapped pair Courtney Lawes and Ayoola Erinle are both on the bench.
As expected, Harlequins back Ugo Monye fills the void at full-back, but it’s Wilkinson’s inclusion at fly half which has given England the biggest lift. “He has just been Jonny Wilkinson,” Johnson said. “He gets on with what he does and does it very well. His leadership of the group has been fantastic, particularly his communication with the younger players.
“These guys have seen what he has done for England over the past 10 years. It’s a tremendous amount.”