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Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Thompson were re-united in an England team for the first time since the 2003 World Cup final win over Australia after being named in Saturday’s side to play the Wallabies.
Injury-hit England’s starting team for this weekend’s match at Twickenham boasted just four survivors in backs Ugo Monye and Danny Care, together with forwards Steve Borthwick, still the captain, and Tom Croft, from last season’s corresponding fixture, which Australia won 28-14.
England manager Martin Johnson, who was Thompson’s World Cup winning captain six years ago, has lost nearly two teams’ worth of players because of injuries for this month’s Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, including his first-choice front row.
Thompson retired in April 2007 after a neck operation but the now 31-year-old returned months later to play for Brive, after paying back a six-figure insurance compensation deal, having initially joined the French club as a coach.
He did make a brief England return with an appearance off the bench late-on in June’s 37-15 win over Argentina but this was seen as a stop-gap effort.
Ironically, given his injury problems since landing the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final, five-eighth Wilkinson – also now playing his club rugby in France, for Toulon – is currently fully fit and in fine form following his pre-season move from Newcastle.
Several of England’s starting side announced at the squad’s training base have yet to reach double figures when it comes to Test appearances.
For example, full-back Ugo Monye has played just six internationals for England with centre Shane Geraghty (three) and wing Matt Banahan (two) also included in the back division.
However, greater experience is provided by Wilkinson, rugby union’s world record international points scorer, who has 70 England caps and flanker Lewis Moody (53). Borthwick has made 50 England appearances and Thompson 48.
Last season’s November internationals, Johnson’s first games in charge of the national side, also saw England well-beaten by world champions South Africa (42-6) and New Zealand (32-6).
Australia, who have lost six of their last seven Tests, albeit against the Springboks and the All Blacks, are due to announce their side on Thursday.
England team to play Australia (15-1): Ugo Monye, Mark Cueto, Dan Hipkiss, Shane Geraghty, Matt Banahan, Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Care, Jordan Crane, Lewis Moody, Tom Croft, Steve Borthwick (capt), Louis Deacon, David Wilson, Steve Thompson, Tim Payne. Res: Dylan Hartley, Duncan Bell, Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Paul Hodgson, Andy Goode, Ayoola Erinle
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.