Wilkinson wary of Argentina

Jonny Wilkinson has told England to be on their guard when they continue their November international series against Argentina at Twickenham this weekend.

The fly-half marked his return to Test duty from his latest injury lay-off by kicking all of England's points in their 18-9 home loss to Australia last Saturday.

Wilkinson is well-placed to assess the worth of the Pumas following a pre-season move to French club Toulon where he now plays alongside Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, as well as the back-row's compatriots Felipe Contepomi and Esteban Lozada.

"You watch these guys train and think they are world-class players and you think 'thank God they are on my side'," said Wilkinson, who on Saturday produced some typically thumping tackles when Australia were threatening England's try-line.

"Unfortunately that will not be the case this week."

For his part, Fernandez Lobbe is well aware of the advantage England gain from having a fully fit Wilkinson back in their line-up after rugby union's record international points scorer was sidelined for 18 months with a dislocated knee cap.

"Whenever he plays, he is so influential," Fernandez Lobbe said.

"He is a world-class player and I am so happy to be allowed to play alongside him at Toulon. He is an amazing guy, an example you will always follow to try to get better.

"He is really good in defence and that is something that puts him up there with the greatest."

Injury-hit England have slipped back to eighth in the world rankings and manager Martin Johnson has now overseen seven defeats in 12 Test matches.

But Argentina coach Santiago Phelan refuses to subscribe to the theory that England, who didn't score a try against Australia and rarely looked like doing so, are there for the taking at Twickenham this Saturday.

"We are playing England, with all their history and their players," said Phelan. "I don't look at world rankings or anything like that."