England’s Jonny Wilkinson could face All Blacks
England coach Martin Johnson confirmed that out-half Jonny Wilkinson’s shoulder injury is not as bad as they expected. Fortunately, the British and Irish Lion will not have to undergo surgery.
England had drafted in Charlie Hodgson to replace Wilkinson after it appeared that the England international would miss the series. The England international complained of a pain in his shoulder after playing for his club side, Toulon, during the weekend.
The out-half is still a doubt for the opening Test match against New Zealand on Saturday, 6 November, but Johnson is optimistic about his recovery.
"He is receiving rehab. He will be assessed day-to-day and we will have a better idea towards the end of the week where he is."
Johnson admitted that Wilkinson would have no chance of making the Test game if it was any earlier.
"There is not a game on Saturday for us. It would be pretty clear-cut if there was.
"I'd describe it as wear and tear. Like a lot of these injuries, it is not as clear-cut as all that and you have to work out what the results mean for his ability to play rugby at the highest level."
If the 31-year-old is missing, it would be a massive blow for Johnson, who will rely on Wilkinson’s accuracy with the boot and defensive game.
The out-half has been in fantastic form for Toulon this season and appears to be getting back to his best after injury has plagued much of his career.
Johnson already has a number of injury concerns. Centre Riki Flutey and Simon Shaw suffered injuries for Wasps in the Aviva Premiership and both players are unlikely to play against the All Blacks.
However, captain Lewis Moody appears to be winning his race to be fit to face the All Blacks. Johnson is just hoping that Wilkinson can do the same.
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