Newz Forum: OTHER: Johnny Wilkinson struggles for the summer tour

Johnny Wilkinson admits he is struggling to be fit for England's summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.The Newcastle fly-half is making slow progress in his recovery from surgery to relieve a traumatised nerve between his spine and his shoulder.

Wilkinson was reduced to a walk on part as a water carrier as Newcastle won the Powergen Cup with victory over Sale at Twickenham on Saturday. There were nearly 50,000 there to see these two northern strongholds go at it hammer and tongs pity they hadn't told anyone there were tickets available and the two fly-halves dominated the highest scoring final in history. Charlie Hodgson, the likely long term replacement for World Cup winner Wilko, kicked a perfect 18 points for Sale, but it wasn't enough to deny Newcastle at 37-33 win.Today England's Rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson is the official starter for the 24th London Marathon while his team captain Martin Johnson will start the 2.65 mile Mini London Marathon for 11 to 17-year-olds.

[Edited on 18/4/04 by TRD]