Woodward plays Wilko protector

Wilkinson failed to spark the Lions in his first game of the tour against Wellington yesterday. Although he kicked 13 points in the 23-6 win he was off target with a trade mark drop goal attempt and two penalties.

Naming his side for Saturday's clash with Otago today, head coach Sir Clive Woodward turned to Charlie Hodgson at fly-half after his impressive performance in the Lions' opening game of the tour against Bay of Plenty.

Despite being left out, Wilkinson is happy to sit out matches. He said: "If I play, then I will use that experience to hone my instincts and if I don't then I will use that time to work on my game. Because of the time I have spent out of the game due to injury, I have to tell myself to wait until the whistle before getting really nervous, that feeling in the pit of your stomach.

"Test matches are very separate entities compared to these provincial games. The other matches allow you to get a feel for how other players operate but the Tests are one offs. Test matches bring out the real intensity in everyone."

Fitness problems will also shape Woodward's selection. England flanker Lewis Moody has recovered from a knee injury be in line to face Otago. He is joined in the squad by prop Andrew Sheridan, whose ankle problems have improved.

England wing Mark Cueto, a late replacement for Iain Balshaw, has failed to make a start and is out of favour with Woodward.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks suffered a blow today when hooker Anton Oliver was ruled out of the First Test.