Wilkinson in centre?

The England head coach Andy Robinson is considering playing Jonny Wilkinson at number 12 in next year's Six Nations Championship. That would allow Charlie Hodgson to retain the outhalf position in a statement of attacking intent.

Robinson has told rugby acquaintances he is thinking of playing Wilkinson as playmaker at inside centre. He is mulling over the idea following Hodgson's impressive form in attack during England's three November internationals. The downside was Hodgson showed he did not have Wilkinson's mental strength when it came to goalkicking and playing the Newcastle man at number 12 would help remedy that weakness.

Robinson had removed his previous inside-centre Henry Paul after 26 minutes against Australia last month, replacing him with Will Greenwood who is struggling with his form. Wilkinson, who has just returned to action with Newcastle after missing the November internationals with injury, has said he wants to be considered at outhalf but that he would understand losing out to Hodgson in a straight battle.

With Paul not comfortable at being asked to stand flatter than he does for Gloucester and Greenwood out of form, the alternatives to Wilkinson would be Bath's Olly Barkley or veteran Mike Catt. If Wilkinson plays at outhalf against Wales on February 5th, Robinson would be left with a dilemma at inside-centre.

Hodgson was tried in the position by Clive Woodward but proved fallible in defence, Barkley's experience may count against him, Catt would hardly be an investment in the future, while Paul's only chance of redemption is if Wilkinson returns at outhalf.

Meanwhile, Robinson last night confirmed England will spend three days training with Super League side Leeds Rhinos next month.