 Fitness remains just out of Wilkinson's grasp |
Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward insists fly-half Jonny Wilkinson must prove his fitness if he is to win a place on the tour to New Zealand this summer. The 25-year-old Wilkinson has been hit by a succession of injuries since the World Cup final in November 2003 and is now struggling with a knee injury.
"Jonny won't definitely go," Woodward told BBC Radio Five Live. "There is no point taking him unless he's 100% fit.
"But he's confident he'll be back to play a couple of games before we go."
Woodward unveils his 44-man Lions squad on 11 April and admitted he must have a good idea about Wilkinson's progress by then if he is to make the squad.
"Before we leave the country I want to make sure everyone is fit," said the former England coach.
"It is quite a straightforward situation. If Jonny is fit, he will go."
Woodward also admitted he faces a selection headache following Wales' surprise Six Nations success.
"All of the Welsh players are in contention," he said. "Everyone in their squad has had a great season.
"At the start of the season someone told me the squad should be 14 Irishmen and Jonny but last night it changed to 14 Welshmen and Jonny.
"But I'll look at every single position and compare the Wales players with those from Ireland, England and Scotland."
MMIX
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