Wilkinson won't play against Italy: Woodward

England coach Clive Woodward today revealed that Jonny Wilkinson is almost certain to miss the opening of the 2004 RBS 6 Nations championship.

The world champions begin their Grand Slam defence against Italy in Rome on February 15, but the match has come too early for star fly-half Wilkinson who is still suffering from his on-going neck and shoulder problem.

Wilkinson revealed on Sunday that his recovery was based on a day-to-day approach and refused to set any date for his comeback after playing just 58 minutes for his club Newcastle since booting England to glory in Australia.

But Woodward today effectively ruled his prized asset out of contention for the Italy clash at the Stadio Flaminio.

“There has been no great improvement in Jonny since yesterday, so you can take it as read that he won’t be playing next weekend. I was 99% sure of that yesterday and today I’m 99.9% sure,” he said.