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Wilkinson firming as possibility for Six Nations games

Injury-plagued Jonny Wilkinson may have played himself into Six Nations contention after coming through his latest comeback on Saturday in Newcastle's 39-5 defeat at Leicester.

The World Cup winning flyhalf, whose career has been dogged by a succession of injuries since England's 2003 triumph, played the entire second half and did enough to give national coach Brian Ashton plenty to ponder ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland next weekend.

Wilkinson, returning after a 12-week absence caused by a lacerated kidney, came on to replace fullback Anthony Elliott in the closing stages of the first half for only his fourth appearance of the season.

Despite his impressive kicking and distribution, he was unable to prevent Newcastle from a five-try drubbing at the hands of the Tigers who are now top of the table.

"He's ready to play," said Newcastle coach John Fletcher.

"I'm not too sure what Brian Ashton's thoughts are about players who haven't played a lot of rugby in a relatively short period of time. He went well today. That's pretty much what we expect from him. He generates some pace in the game as long as the team can give him the ball," Fletcher said. "Every time he comes back, he makes a point of coming back physically better."

Shane Jennings, Marcos Ayerza, Jordan Crane and a brace from Tom Varndell set Leicester on their way to victory.

Meanwhile, Bristol No. 8 Dan Ward-Smith could see his Six Nations dream finished even before it starts after suffering a serious knee injury in the 14-8 win over Northampton.
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