English rugby
Wilko fit for Wallabies
Scrum.com
June 6, 2010
Jonny Wilkinson looks for an offload during England training at the McGillivray Oval, Perth, Australia, June 4, 2010
Jonny Wilkinson is fit to face Australia if selected © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Jonny Wilkinson
Teams: Australia | England
Grounds: Subiaco Oval

Jonny Wilkinson will be fit to tackle the Wallabies in Perth next Saturday, it has been confirmed.

Australia's arch nemesis, who scored the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final, has been training on his own since the squad arrived in Australia after suffering rib damage in Toulon's Amlin Challenge Cup final defeat.

The initial medical advice from Toulon was that Wilkinson may not have been able to take contact until Thursday, but coach Martin Johnson confirmed he has been cleared for a return to action 48 hours early - giving England's preparations a major boost as they chase only their third ever Test victory on Australian soil.

"Jon Golding, Dave Strettle and Jonny will all resume full training this week," said Johnson. "They will run to a degree tomorrow (Monday) and will be back in full training by Tuesday - Jon probably by Wednesday or Thursday.

"They will all be fit by Saturday and if they are fit for full training, they are fit to go out and play."

Wilkinson played a key role in both England's triumphs Down Under - in June 2003 and then in the Rugby World Cup final five months later.

Wing David Strettle and prop Job Golding are also expected to be in contention for Test selection after making progress with their ankle and rib problems.

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