Jonny Wilkinson played for the full 80 minutes and scored six penalties for Newcastle Falcons last Saturday to put himself in line for the call up to the Lions party although Clive Woodward was guarded in his response to the news of Wilkinson's return to action.

The head coach of the British & Irish Lions, said today "I have spoken to Jonny after his game this weekend and am delighted that he came through the game without any problems. The next ten days are key not only for Wilkinson but for Tindall and Vickery to monitor their progress and so no decisions or announcements will be made before this time on their possible involvement in the Lions Tour party."