Northampton 23-22 Newcastle

The injury-hit Newcastle and England fly-half came through 46 minutes of the game at Franklin's Gardens without suffering any more mishaps.

"I'm very relieved to have got through the game without any serious bumps or bruises," said Wilkinson.

"I always feel I can improve and I feel I came through OK."

Wilkinson kicked 11 points but could not stop the Falcons from slipping to a 23-22 defeat to the Saints.

He had a late shot at goal from wide on the right to win the game, but his kick drifted left of the posts.

We've said all season that physically he's in great shape - and he looked pretty good to me Rob Andrew on Jonny Wilkinson

His overall form, though, was praised by Newcastle boss Rob Andrew, who insisted his star player looked in excellent shape.

"We're just pleased he's got through 50 minutes or so," said Andrew.

"We've said all season that physically he's in great shape - and he looked pretty good to me."

Lions boss Sir Clive Woodward has pledged to add Wilkinson to his 44-man Lions squad for the tour to New Zealand if the player proved his fitness.

A couple more good performances and we know he's gonna make the trip to NZ From MT Have your say on Scrum V

Wilkinson is embarking on his fourth comeback since kicking England to World Cup glory 17 months ago.

Since that win over Australia in November 2003, he has sustained shoulder and bicep injuries as well as damaging ligaments in his left knee against Perpignan in January.