Rugby-Wilkinson the unlikely saviour for injury-hit England

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Amid the physical carnage dogging England's build-up to their November tests there has emerged an unlikely beacon of hope.

A horrendous run of injuries have badly hit manager Martin Johnson's preparations for the games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

But Jonny Wilkinson, Mr Injury himself who is usually the first name on the casualty list, is now fit and raring to make up for lost time.

Since his move to French club Toulon, Wilkinson has produced some of his best rugby since the heady days of 2003 when his drop goal won the World Cup in Sydney.

Having never been replaced by anyone able to hold on to the number 10 shirt for more than a few matches, he seems certain to slot straight back in against the Wallabies at Twickenham on Nov. 7.

It will be his first appearance since the 2008 Six Nations, when a poor display persuaded former coach Brian Ashton to drop him and bring in Danny Cipriani.

Injury, lack of form and lack of interest from Johnson have relegated Cipriani to the sidelines since, following a long line of number 10s who have failed to adequately fill Wilkinson's boots.

So, it is to 30-year-old Wilkinson, who missed almost all of last season with a dislocated knee, that Johnson will turn.