Aussies say Wilkinson's the danger

Australia's head coach Rod Macqueen, 80 minutes away from completing another winning European tour at Twickenham on Saturday, needed no reminding of Wilkinson's graduation from international novice on his debut in Brisbane almost 30 months ago to one of the top three fly halves in the game.

'He is a very big ingredient in the English mix,' said Macqueen. 'He makes the back line unpredictable, has the ability to take a gap and his passing puts other people away.

'He has a great range of skills and he keeps the opposition defence on their toes.

'I really think they missed him in the World Cup. I don't know what the reasons were for him not playing but they missed his organisational skills. He makes a big difference to the side now.'

Wilkinson was left out of the starting XV for the ill-fated clash with the Springboks in Paris but regained his place from Paul Grayson for the last 24 minutes of what had rapidly become a lost cause. He has not looked back since. Wales are likely to make three changes to their pack for Saturday's home match against the American Eagles. The restoration of Chris Wyatt, Andy Moore and Darren Morris to their squad points to a double alteration at lock and one in the front row.

Deiniol Jones, the Bath second row on loan to Ebbw Vale, and Swansea's James Griffiths are demoted to the A ranks after winning their first caps during the romp against a Samoan team severely handicapped by the boycott by their established players.

Cardiff prop Spencer John also loses his place. Andrew Mower, Newcastle's multi-qualified Australian flanker who opted for Scotland last month when he turned down an invitation to join England's development squad, is the only English-based player in the starting XV for tonight's A match against Samoa in Perth.