Lions Tour: Wilkinson pleased to play again

Jonny Wilkinson was just pleased to have come through a match after inspiring the Lions to a 42-8 win over Queensland Reds.

Wilkinson's last game had been Newcastle's European Shield semi-final defeat against Harlequins eight weeks ago.

The fly-half kicked 17 points and creating tries for Dan Luger, Richard Hill and Brian O'Driscoll and was named man-of-the-match as Graham Henry's Lions notched a record win.

And Wilkinson said: "It was good to get a reminder of the hits and intensity when my body maybe had forgotten a few of those feelings.

"I was very pleased to represent the Lions, and pleased to get a game after seven or eight weeks without one."

His half-back partner Howley admitted his ribs were sore, but said he hoped to start training again within three or four days.

The scrum-half was also caught up in a lively opening, taking a punch full in the face from Queensland hooker Michael Foley.

"Queensland came out with a goal, but we stood toe to toe with them during that opening phase, and we came through it extremely well," he said.

"My ribs are quite sore at the moment, but the doctor has said that it is only a bruised rib cartilage."