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Tue 10 Oct 2009Wilkinson returns after 19-month absence
ENGLAND SQUAD NEWS:TWO NAMES leapt from the 32-strong list of players who are fit enough to represent England this autumn. Jonny Wilkinson and Courtney Lawes are at opposite ends of the Twickenham spectrum in terms of experience but their presence in Martin Johnson’s squad offers the England manager a glimpse of a brighter horizon beyond the dark injury bulletins of recent days.
If Wilkinson’s presence feels like something of a novelty, it is because it is precisely so. He has not been seen in international rugby since his walk-on part against Ireland more than 19 months ago. Now, it falls to the outhalf to prove to Australia on Saturday week that his familiar ability to kick the Wallabies where it hurts has yet to desert him.
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