Wilkinson returns to England side
January 30, 2007 - 6:49AM
England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson was selected on Monday to represent his country for the first time since drop-kicking the winning goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final against Australia.
Just over 40 minutes in action for Newcastle against Leicester on Saturday was enough to convince new England coach Brian Ashton that Wilkinson was ready to start against Scotland at Twickenham after a demoralising run of injuries.
Ashton, who took over from Andy Robinson after the world champions lost three of their four November internationals, has made 11 changes for the opening weekend of the Six Nations championship.
Former Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell will make his debut at inside centre on Saturday alongside Mike Tindall after only seven first-team starts for Saracens.
Jason Robinson, another league convert, returns after a temporary international retirement on the left wing and Martin Corry, who was sacked as captain, retains his place but moves to his favoured position of number eight. Prop Phil Vickery will lead his country for the first time in a full test at Twickenham in his 50th international appearance.
"I'm delighted to announce a strong England 22 for what will be a very challenging match against Scotland on Saturday," Ashton said in a statement on the Rugby Football Union Web site (www.rfu.com).
"The starting XV includes a debut for Andy Farrell. It is well documented that I have been an admirer of Andy's career for a number of years and I'm looking forward to seeing him play rugby union for his country.
"I'm also pleased that Jason Robinson has decided to return from international retirement and that Jonny Wilkinson has returned to fitness after his recent injury and that both are available for the Scotland game."
England - 15-Iain Balshaw; 14-Josh Lewsey, 13-Mike Tindall, 12-Andy Farrell, 11-Jason Robinson; 10-Jonny Wilkinson, 9-Harry Ellis; 8-Martin Corry, 7-Magnus Lund, 6-Joe Worsley, 4-Louis Deacon, 5-Danny Grewcock, 3-Phil Vickery (captain), 2-George Chuter, 1-Perry Freshwater.
Replacements: 16-Lee Mears, 17-Julian White, 18-Tom Palmer. 19-Lewis Moody, 20-Peter Richards, 21-Toby Flood, 22-Mathew Tait.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Wilkinson-returns-to-England-side/2007/01/30/1169919303464.html
My mates hate him because he scored the final points that won the world cup for England but i'm all for more competitive games so i welcome his return. Cant wait for the next World Cup.
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