Playing Jonny at 12 alongside Stephen is a huge bonus Sir Clive Woodward Full story: Wilkinson wins Test place

Woodward has opted to give the number 12 shirt to the 26-year-old despite the England World Cup star playing most of his career at fly-half.

"I went with Jonny because I almost feel that centre is his better position," said Woodward.

"I don't think there is a lot of difference between 10 and 12."

Wilkinson has not started an international match at inside centre since playing with Mike Catt for England against Wales in 1999.

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However, the number 12 shirt was the only one available to him once Woodward decided that the Welsh pairing of Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel would be the starting half-backs.

"Watching the Six Nations I was immensely impressed with Stephen and Dwayne especially in the second half against France," Woodward added.

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"They really delivered and that's when I first started thinking who is going to play outside them.

"They have taken their chances on this tour and when Jonny became fit, watching him play and knowing him as a player, putting him at 12 was always an option.

"Playing Jonny at 12 alongside Stephen is a huge bonus. There is a left-foot/right-foot kicking option and it also gives you great strike power in terms of your passing game."

Gavin Henson was expected to take the inside centre berth but was ruled out after being picked for the midweek game against Southland.

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"Gavin is incredibly unlucky," said Woodward. "He has done nothing wrong at all, it is just a very competitive environment.

"Henson had a great game against Southland and he has got every chance of being involved in the next Test match."

Another surprise in the starting XV was the selection of Josh Lewsey on the wing, despite playing all his games on this tour at full-back, with Jason Robinson getting the number 15 shirt.

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"I just wanted to have a look at them in the tour games and Josh has played very, very well," said Woodward.

"But in terms for this opening game, my preferred choice was Josh on the wing with Gareth Thomas on the other wing.

"We have had a look at it and that's the combination I have decided on. You just look at what you think their best positions are at this next level up and it doesn't get any bigger than this.

"You look at our team and their team and everyone's strengths and you have to make your calls. I think this is an incredibly exciting back division both attacking wise and defensively."