Wilko joy over test call

Jonny Wilkinson today admitted he feared he would never pull on a Lions Test jersey again after his post-World Cup injury nightmare.

Coach Sir Clive Woodward has gambled on switching Wilkinson from outside-half to centre alongside Brian O'Driscoll for the First Test with New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

Wilkinson, who has not played an international since winning the World Cup Final in 2003, said: "I am very proud to have been selected for this Test. When I think back over the last 18 months, when I had those injuries, this moment did seem a very long way off. It was a very small light at the end of a long tunnel but now I am in the team."

Wilkinson, who has suffered a fractured shoulder and a long-term knee ligament injury since kicking the World Cup-winning drop goal for England in Sydney, added: "Typically, now I've been selected I'm finding myself falling into the old ways again of preparing like hell and trying to cover every eventuality."

Welshman Stephen Jones will wear the No10 jersey on Saturday and a two-try performance against Southland yesterday by discarded Welsh centre Gavin Henson was not good enough to win him a reprieve.

Wilkinson last played centre at international level for England six years ago but is unfazed about the change.