Wilkinson picked for opening Lions game

Jonny Wilkinson will make his international comeback on Monday when the Lions face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Jonny Wilkinson will make his international comeback on Monday when the Lions face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

The Newcastle Falcons fly-half has not played at the highest level since dropping the goal which won England the 2003 World Cup in Sydney's Telstra Stadium.

When he takes to the field in Cardiff it will represent a personal triumph for Wilkinson, who has been plagued by injuries since his World Cup exploits.

He was initially left out of the Lions squad due to question marks lingering over his fitness, but Wilkinson convinced Lions chief Sir Clive Woodward of his form and physical sharpness over the closing weeks of the Zurich Premiership season, resulting in his late call-up.

Wales number eight Michael Owen will skipper the Lions, with Brian O'Driscoll - who will captain the side on their summer tour of New Zealand - allowed to sit the game out.

British & Irish Lions team to face Argentina in Cardiff on Monday, May 23.

Team: G Murphy (Ireland); D Hickie (Ireland), O Smith (England), G D'Arcy (Ireland), S Williams (Wales), J Wilkinson (England), G Cooper (Wales); G Rowntree (England), S Byrne (Ireland), J Hayes (Munster), M O'Kelly (Ireland), D Grewcock (England), S Taylor (Scotland), L Moody (England), M Owen (Wales, capt).

Replacements: S Thompson (England), J White (England), D O'Callaghan (Ireland), M Corry (England), C Cusiter (Scotland), R O'Gara (Ireland), S Horgan (Ireland).