Of all the fascinating subplots at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, few will be as intriguing as the match-up between the two fly-halves, Jonny Sexton and Owen Farrell.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has backed Republic of Ireland international Marc Wilson to return to action ahead of schedule.

Stoke defender Marc Wilson is set to be out of action for around three months after breaking his leg last weekend – although Potters boss Tony Pulis is optimistic the Republic of Ireland international’s recovery may be quicker.

It will be small compensation to Connacht’s Eric Elwood following yet another narrow defeat but Declan Kidney left the Sportsgrounds on Saturday night with an encouraging glimpse of Ireland’s front-row future.

WALES’ inspirational captain Sam Warburton has revealed one of the secrets behind his success — England star Jonny Wilkinson.

Three weeks ago, he endured a chastening experience in an England shirt at the Aviva Stadium, but Leicester stand-off Toby Flood is confident his Tigers will roar today. He spoke to Julian Bennetts

JONNY WILKINSON andRonan O’Gara have a lot incommon, having been the mainstays of their respective national sides for the last decade before finding themselves under threat of being consigned to history by younger, more extrovert fly-halves.

Martin Johnson admitted his England side would have to improve significantly to clinch an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam next weekend against Ireland.

FRANCE has held so many great days for Munster over the course of the Heineken Cup that it seemed almost impossible it could come to this on a beautiful winter’s afternoon in the south of the country.

Robbie Williams hinted that Take That might be back for good as the recently reformed group picked up a prize at the Q Awards today.

JONNY WILKINSON has been dubbed “the Michael Jackson of rugby” by the man who is trying to lure the England star to France.

Gloucester 39 Newcastle 23

Mark Cueto has reflected on the moment England’s dream of making World Cup history drifted into oblivion, claiming: “It was 100% a try.”

Jonny Wilkinson claimed the England team had been on “a hell of a journey” after they relinquished their World Cup crown to South Africa.

Jason Robinson is calling for “one last push” as England go for glory in Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa.

WALLABY fly-half Berrick Barnes was a wide-eyed schoolboy when Jonny Wilkinson broke Wallaby hearts with the extra-time drop goal to win England the 2003 World Cup.

Jonny Wilkinson has declared himself “fully fit and healthy” to spearhead depleted England’s first Test challenge against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Jonny Wilkinson is ready to reclaim England’s number 10 shirt, with head coach Brian Ashton declaring: “He relishes a challenge.”

England’s World Cup winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson made a stunning return to club rugby yesterday after an 11 week absence, scoring a last minute try and converting it to give Newcastle a 30-29 win over Premiership rivals Sale.

John Velazquez has been booked to partner the Jeremy Noseda-trained Araafa in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs on November 4.

Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Invasor won the 400,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park by an easy looking four and a quarter lengths.

George Washington and Araafa are on course for a mouth-watering rematch at Royal Ascot next month after both came out of the Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas in good shape.

Jeremy Noseda is eagerly anticipating a potential rematch between Araafa and George Washington in the St James’ Palace Stakes next month.

Jeremy Noseda believes Araafa is likely to cope with the predicted testing conditions at the Curragh in Saturday’s Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas.

Electrocutionist showed a telling turn of foot and a determined attitude to land the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba.

Jonny Wilkinson insists he is as hungry as ever to pull on an England jersey.

Mubtaker recorded his 12th career victory in the Ouija Board, Wilko And Liverpool Vets Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Newmarket and will now go in search of that elusive first Group One success.

Cool Creek could be set for a tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after his fine victory in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew has warned Andy Robinson not to risk Jonny Wilkinson for England’s autumn internationals after the star fly-half suffered yet another injury setback.

JONNY Wilkinson is set to feature in Newcastle’s Guinness Premiership clash against Sale Sharks tonight after recovering from an inflamed appendix.

JONNY WILKINSON will finally emerge from the Lions’ New Zealand den this week, and England’s celebrated World Cup winner last night declared: “It is not a chance I want to waste.”

LIONS captain Brian O’Driscoll yesterday hailed the addition of Jonny Wilkinson to the touring party as a “big boost” to his side’s chances of glory in New Zealand.

Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll today hailed the addition of Jonny Wilkinson to the touring party as a “big boost” to his side’s chances of glory in New Zealand.

Owner Michael Tabor will be hoping Bandini can cap a memorable eight days by taking the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs tomorrow night.

JONNY WILKINSON has defended his England team-mates after an inability to convert their goal-kicking chances was instrumental as the team slumped to defeat against France.

Dual Oaks winner Ouija Board is in the running for two prestigious Eclipse Awards in the United States after finalists were announced today.

Having been the subject of so much of the attention in the build-up to the racing, Ouija Board gave a superb display to end the season on a brilliant high with a Breeders' Cup victory in the Filly & Mare Turf.

Godolphin have supplemented Dubawi for the Dunnes Stores National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday at a cost of €30,000.

ENGLAND head coach Clive Woodward is looking forward to welcoming Jonny Wilkinson back into the international fold after the fly-half emerged unscathed from his return to action in Galway.

Wilko looks to have an outstanding chance of landing a double when lining up for the Stan James Stakes at Newbury tomorrow afternoon.

Doncaster’s Group Two Champagne Stakes on September 10 has attracted 124 entries, including Mark Johnston’s ultra-impressive Glorious Goodwood winner Shamardal.

ENGLAND fly-half Jonny Wilkinson could make a return from injury later this month.

Whazzat proved too strong for the colts as she ran out an easy winner of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot today.