Wonder Wilko took over from Jonny Bandages to score 27 points yesterday, including “being awarded” a bonus “welcome back, Jonny” 5 pointer from the TMO during England ‘s demolition of a hapless Scotland at Twickenham.

I’m delighted to see Wilkinson back – he’s a tremendous, if slightly overrated, talent and showed great form despite his lack of match play. And to be fair, he didn’t speak falsely:

I felt like it was going to be literally touch and go with my foot down and the ball down but that’s what the video ref is for.

And even better from Ireland ‘s perspective, the English media will promptly herald the new dawn of English rugby, make them favourites for the Six Nations Grand Slam , and we can get back to our rightful place place as underdog.

This intrepid reporter is in Cardiff today living the good life endeavouring to get the story from ground zero as Ireland attempt to shake off the nightmare of 2005. Hi Mum!