Wilkinson escapes the clutches of the Gloucester defence

The injury-hit fly-half proved his form and fitness in defeat to Gloucester in the Zurich Wildcard semi-final.

"You do have to go a certain degree on form and reputation," said Woodward, who on Wednesday names his team to face Argentina in next week's warm-up.

"But if Jonny had had a poor game I wouldn't have picked him."

Woodward added: "Because he played so well in that game, I was happy to put him in and I have no doubt he will compete very, very strongly for a Test place.

Wilkinson's been on the plane since Woodward got the job From TJ Have your say on Scrum V

"Phil Larder did the stats and said Jonny put in 19 tackles out of 19 attempts."

Wilkinson has not played international rugby since the World Cup final in November 2003 after suffering a host of injuries.

But Woodward says the 25-year-old still has a lot to do to get into the Test team.

"Jonny knows he's up against some very serious competition especially from Stephen Jones, who had an outstanding Six Nations for Wales," he said.