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Rugby Union

Wilkinson to make Croke Park start

24/02/2007

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson will be in England's starting XV for this afternoon's crunch Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

The state of the Newcastle stand-off's hamstring has been a subject of frenzied debate in the build-up to the clash with Brain Ashton's side ill-affording to lose such a key player ahead of the encounter.

Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll joined his coach Eddie O'Sullivan in accusing the English camp of deliberately exaggerating the extent of the injury to try and throw the opposition of their game.

The Lions captain's assertion that Wilkinson would play has now been proved right and the World Cup winner's young club team-mate Toby Flood will remain on the bench.

The news will be a major boost for the visitors who have already lost winger Jason Robinson through a neck injury picked up in training.

The only England player outside the pair to score any points in England's opening two games in the tournament is Sale flanker Magnus Lund who registered a try against Scotland.

London Irish's Mike Catt, who missed his club's win over Sale to provide emergency cover for the number ten jersey, has now been stood down.

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