Wilkinson Clings to Tour Hope

Jonny Wilkinson has not ruled out playing for the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test against the All Blacks.

The England fly-half is not in coach Sir Clive Woodward's plans and Stephen Jones or Charlie Hodgson look set to get the nod for the Auckland Test.

Wilkinson had to be withdrawn as New Zealand clinched an unassailable 2-0 series lead in Wellington on Saturday, sustaining two so-called 'stinger' injuries.

But he said: "As much as it is bad to say that I am used to these, it is also true that I am used to recovering from them.

"That is why I have not ruled anything out. I will take it day by day and go by the physio's advice."

Wilkinson wants the Lions to leave New Zealand with pride restored by victory in the third Test.

"Whether I can play any part in achieving this I don't know. After the two knocks I sustained in the second international on Saturday, it could be a lot worse so I am actually quite relieved.

"When I woke yesterday morning, I felt better than I thought I would because after the match I was unable to move much at all. So the injury has improved with time."

Nevertheless, with the series lost Woodward has indicated he will rest Wilkinson, whose injury causes numbness in his shoulder and arm.

"In my mind, I am not going to play him [Wilkinson] in the next Test match," said Woodward. "We have lost the series and we have now got to look at playing either Stephen Jones or Charlie Hodgson next weekend."