Toulon boss ‘hopeful’ Wilkinson will be fit

Jonny Wilkinson looks set to be fit to play against Munster in Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final after coming through training without any reaction to a hamstring injury yesterday.

The 34-year-old, who hasn’t played since being forced off in the opening half of their 29-14 quarter-final win over Leinster, will be assessed as the week progresses.

But Toulon coach Bernard Laporte is confident Wilkinson would be fit for action in Marseille.

“I saw him kicking and he looks good. I’m hopeful he will be fine,” said Laporte after a morning session at their training ground in Stade Ange Siccardi.

Laporte’s only concern is in the back five with Springbok Bakkies Botha and All Black Ali Williams doubtful for the Heineken Cup champions.

But South Africa hooker Craig Burden has been cleared to play, with Delon Armitage also fully recovered from a knock and Bryan Habana also confident of playing.

Burden, who started against Leinster but who has been troubled by an elbow injury, said that he was now fully fit.

“I’ve had a two-week break and am ready for it. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Burden.

Wilkinson’s recovery from a hamstring injury is a perfect boost for the holders who are bidding to become only the third side to retain the Heineken Cup.

Wilkinson returned to the field long after other players had departed the ground yesterday and went through a lengthy kicking drill without showing any apparent trouble.

Freddie Michalak has been deputising superbly for Wilkinson, landing four penalties in a 22-20 win away to Bordeaux and then at the weekend he converted all four tries and kicked six penalties as Toulon sent Perpignan into the drop zone with a 46-31 win in a game played in Barcelona. That victory ensured that Toulon lead the Top 14 going into their showdown with Munster on Sunday.

“That is very good but all of our attention now is on the Heineken Cup and we know how tough that is going to be against Munster,” added Laporte.