Wilkinson faces baptism of fire

Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson expects to feel the heat from Wellington in his first appearance for the Lions in New Zealand, but he's not losing sleep over it.

The 26-year-old is likely to get to know Ben Herring well at the Cake Tin, as the Wellington openside flanker tries to make life as awkward as possible for the Lions star.

Having recovered from the latest of a series of injuries recently, Wilkinson needs to impress, both for his own confidence and for the morale of his team-mates, who know how critical the next couple of games are to the tour.

The loss to New Zealand Maori in Hamilton on Saturday night raised serious questions about whether the Lions have the talent to threaten the All Blacks.

World Cup hero Wilkinson, who has 817 test points in 52 internationals for England, can allay some of those fears tomorrow night.

"You expect as a No. 10 to have pressure put on you, that's part of the game," he said.

"It's not something you're consciously aware of. You know it's going to happen."

Just as he knows he'll be orchestrating a possible first test backline against Wellington.

Two national captains, Gareth Thomas and Jason Robinson, get their first runs on tour on the wings.

Both have strong test claims and, if they can form a strong back three with classy fullback Josh Lewsey, it will ensure one piece of the test jigsaw is in place for coach Sir Clive Woodward.

"There's no bigger moment on this tour than the game coming up," Wilkinson said.

"I need to play well to get the best out of those around me, help the team to perform so that we can have smiles on our faces on Thursday morning."

Wellington named their line-up yesterday and, even though four All Blacks - Tana Umaga, Conrad Smith, Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo - are missing, there are still 13 Hurricanes from this season, plus Crusaders lock Ross Filipo.

They are also missing New Zealand under-21 wing Hosea Gear; prop Neemia Tialata, who is having an operation on a calf today; loose forward Scott Waldrom, who has had an operation on an ankle; and lock Ross Kennedy who had a knee operation last week, but will be fit for his New Zealand Juniors trip to Australia.

Filipo and halfback Piri Weepu are chasing two wins over the Lions in four days, having been part of the Maori victory.

And Weepu is full of fighting talk. "I'd love to have two from two against these guys," Weepu said. "It is realistic, we just need to do our homework and play the right game plan."

Weepu, who had a tough contest against Matt Dawson in Hamilton, squares off against the other leading test contender, Welshman Dwayne Peel, tomorrow night.

"We are going to feel all their anger from Saturday night, but we can come off with a win just as easily as the Maori did.

"We have to work away at things they've got weaknesses at, like the ruck and maul area, and see if they're still vulnerable," he said.

Wellington will have pace and strength in the backline with dangerous wing Lome Fa'atau back from a stint with Samoa in Australia, and in-form Ma'a Nonu at centre.

Throw in the precocious Jimmy Gopperth at first five-eighths and the competitive Weepu and, providing they get enough ball from a pack which is weakened but still has plenty of quality in it, Wellington's backline will be up for a big night out.

* Westpac Stadium, 7.10pm tomorrow

Wellington

Shannon Paku, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Roy Kinikinilau, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Thomas Waldrom, Ben Herring, Kristian Ormsby, Ross Filipo, Luke Andrews, Tim Fairbrother, M. Schwalger, Joe McDonnell (c)

Lions

Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, B. O'Driscoll, Gavin Henson, Gareth Thomas, Jonny Wilkinson, Dwayne Peel, Martin Corry, Neil Back, Simon Easterby, Ben Kay, D. Grewcock, Julian White, Shane Byrne, Gethin Jenkins

Reserves:

Wellington: Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger, Kane Thompson, Justin Purdie, Riki Flutey, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane.

Lions: Gordon Bulloch, Matt Stevens, Paul O'Connell, Lewis Moody, Chris Cusiter, Stephen Jones, Shane Horgan.