Just as Brian O’Driscoll wanted to leave the international stage with a Six Nations medal around his neck, so Jonny Wilkinson has his eyes firmly focussed on a gilt-edged finale to a glittering rugby career.

England star Jonny Wilkinson is on course to make his long-awaited comeback from injury next week.

France coach Bernard Laporte reserved special praise for Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked all 24 points as England reached the World Cup final.