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Jonny Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson in Lions 'contention' for Australia tour
Jonny Wilkinson could earn a surprise place in the British and Irish Lions squad for next year's tour to Australia, says coach Warren Gatland.
The Toulon fly-half, 33, retired from international rugby with England in December and has recently been touted for a coaching role with the Lions.
But Gatland insists Wilkinson, who has been on two Lions tours, may travel as a player if he is fit and in form.
"He's still a fine player and only 33. That's not old," said Gatland.
Lions in Australia 2013
- Sat 1 June - Barbarians, Hong Kong
- Wed 5 June - Western Force, Perth
- Sat 8 June - Queensland Reds, Brisbane
- Tue 11 June - Combined New South Wales-Queensland Country, Newcastle
- Sat 15 June - New South Wales Waratahs, Sydney
- Tue 18 June - ACT Brumbies, Canberra
- Sat 22 June - First Test, Brisbane
- Tue 25 June - Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
- Sat 29 June - Second Test, Melbourne
- Sat 6 July - Third Test, Sydney
The New Zealander, confirmed as Lions boss last week, admitted appointing Wilkinson as a kicking coach may be an option, but refused to rule out taking him to Australia as a player.
"For me, everyone is in contention," Gatland added. "The slate is clean for every player who wants to be considered.
"No one is ruled out or pencilled in. If you are playing well enough, then whoever it is - whether it is Jonny Wilkinson or whoever, it's all about how players are performing for their clubs or countries.
"We've selected players who have been playing well just for their club sides and have done well for the Lions. They don't have to be playing for their countries.
"What is important if they are not playing international rugby is that they have to be coming from a side that is performing particularly well."
The Lions will play three Tests against the Wallabies and seven tour matches, including a warm-up against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Wilkinson has featured in five Tests for the Lions after earning caps in 2001 and 2005.
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Comment number 115.
lifelongrugbyfan12th September 2012 - 0:22
As much as would like 15 Welshmen I hope that the mix will be a fairer reflection of the Home Unions. Wal and Ire may be the dominant teams but Eng and Sco both have players who could make the difference.
Scotland have a great back row and a few decent backs emerging. England have a strong front row and some talented young backs as well.
Back row and back three will be very difficult choices.
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Comment number 114.
Baron Von Willymunger11th September 2012 - 16:17
Concievably could be all england front row- Cole, Hartley and Corbs with 2 large mobile second rows (Grey / Charteris (release allowing)) would cause havoc with an under par Australian scrum. We should win 3/3 from set piece scrummage / line out - then just get a defensive back line. We will be called boring but we have the capability to make the aussie scrum capitulate - again and again.
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Comment number 113.
Baron Von Willymunger11th September 2012 - 14:15
Ross Rennie was the standout no 7 of 6 nations, outperformed warburton. On performance Rennie at 7, Robshaw/Lydiate 6 and Denton at 8.
Tom Croft needs to prove himself post injury. Irish backrow just did not turn up to 6 nations.
If he can get release - Stefan Armitage as an impact No 7. Player of year in top 14. Ben Morgan also good impact player from bench but both too fat for full 80
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Comment number 112.
Justin15011th September 2012 - 14:06
One question that troubles me is what should the Lions back row be.
If POC is not playing, then Lions need Tom Croft for the line out.
If POC is playing then could Gats choose players out of position. Maybe Warbs at 8 to play both Ferris and OBrien or something similar?
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Comment number 111.
Divots11th September 2012 - 13:59
The problem the Lions have when England are not the dominant force are that few of the players have played in teams that regularly beat the southern hemisphere. That mental edge is missing from the Scots/Welsh and to some extent the Irish. It's all well and good going close and losing in the 78th minute but plucky is not good enough. We need the home nations to dominate the Autumn internationals.
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Comments 5 of 115