Care hails world-class Wilko

Care: Relishing playing alongside Wilkinson

Jonny is a world-class player, who is always talking to you and helping you. He really gives me the confidence at nine to go out and play my game.

Danny Care
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England scrum-half Danny Care has admitted he is relishing the prospect of playing alongside World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson on Saturday.

Wilkinson returns to the England starting line-up after an 18-month absence, with the 30-year-old currently enjoying a renaissance since moving to France.

Wilkinson's return to form has coincided with an injury-free run at Toulon and Care is hoping to take advantage of this by forming an unstoppable partnership with the fly-half, starting against Australia at Twickenham.

"It is fantastic for me to play alongside Jonny," Care told skysports.com.

"He is a world-class player, who is always talking to you and helping you. He really gives me the confidence at nine to go out and play my game.

"I hope this is the start of us playing many games together."

Care has been given the chance to team up with Wilkinson ahead of British and Irish Lions No.9 Harry Ellis, who has been ruled out through injury, and Paul Hodgson.

And the Harlequins ace insists he can't wait for kick-off on Saturday.

"I am really looking forward to playing now," he said. "It is one of the biggest honours to play for England at Twickenham and it is extra special when it is against the old enemy Australia.

Experience

"It is going to be a really tough game. They are a world-class team with some world-class players. However we have some world-class players of our own and with the likes of Jonny back giving us that experience and leadership, we are confident."

Despite seeing his club endure a troubled build-up to the new Guinness Premiership campaign in the wake of the Bloodgate scandal and then struggle on the pitch, Care believes the future is now looking brighter for both the Quins and himself.

And the 22-year-old is looking to take his current run of form into Saturday's clash.

"I have been happy with my form," he added. "We have turned the corner at Harlequins now. I think we are unbeaten in four and have been playing well.

"I have been pleased with the way I have been playing as well, so I can't wait to pull on the jersey on Saturday."

Tickets for the Investec Challenge Series match between England and Argentina are available from £25 for adults and £10 for under 16s via www.rfu.com/tickets or by calling 0844 8472492