England legend Jason Robinson believes the return of Jonny Wilkinson will give the national side a huge shot in the arm this weekend.

Wilkinson is poised to win his first cap for 18 months after being named in Martin Johnson's side to face Australia in Saturday's Twickenham Test against Australia.

The prolific goalkicking fly-half has been plagued by injuries since England's 2003 World Cup win but the 30-year-old has enjoyed a new lease of life at French club Toulon this year.

Former team-mate Robinson said: "He will have a massive impact on the team, just his presence will be a big boost.

"He has had a lot of things to overcome, a lot of setbacks, but the move to Toulon has been a good thing.

"He looks refreshed, he looks like he is enjoying his rugby and he is in good shape.

"He will bring a lot of enthusiasm and just from hearing him speak you can tell he is excited.

"He will bring a lot of confidence to the players around him - but they will have to play their part too.

"Jonny is a phenomenal player but the guys around him have to create for him and give him options, because I am sure Australia will look to put pressure on him."

Newly-produced statistics support the case for recalling Wilkinson, who has scored a record 1,099 Test points and won 70 England caps.

England have won 78% of their matches with Wilkinson in the team, compared to only 47% of games when they have been without him.

The study also highlights Wilkinson's defensive qualities, with England conceding an average of four points per game less with him in the side, whilst at the same time scoring three more.

Robinson, speaking on behalf of Gillette Winter Defence, who commissioned the research, added: "A lot has been said about Jonny - is he too physical? Does he throw himself in too much for a 10?

"I would say no, that is what makes Jonny, Jonny.

"He can't play any other way. To have him in there in that defensive line will make a difference to England.

"I can see him being used to defend the centres.

"I think he will be suited to being out there and adding some defence in the wider channels."

England have been hampered by a number of injuries in the build-up to their autumn Test schedule, which also includes fixtures against Argentina and New Zealand this month.

Manager Johnson has lost a host of players from his original squad but with Wilkinson back, Robinson can see plenty of reasons for optimism.

Robinson, 35, who is now head coach at Sale Sharks, said: "Playing Australia always creates a good atmosphere but having Jonny Wilkinson back will probably bring the biggest cheer.

"I don't know whether it is head or heart, but with Jonny back there will be a buzz in the air and if England can get some points on the board early doors, I think it could be their day."

Teams:

England: U Monye (Harlequins); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), D Hipkiss (Leicester), S Geraghty (Northampton), M Banahan (Bath); J Wilkinson (Toulon), D Care (Harlequins); T Payne (Wasps), S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), L Deacon (Leicester), S Borthwick (Saracens, capt), T Croft (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), J Crane (Leicester).

Replacements: D Hartley (Northampton), D Bell (Bath), C Lawes (Northampton), J Haskell (Stade Francais), P Hodgson (London Irish), A Goode (Brive), A Erinle (Biarritz).

Australia: A Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies); P Hynes, D Ioane, Q Cooper (all Queensland Reds), D Mitchell (New South Wales Waratahs); M Giteau (Brumbies), W Genia (Queensland Reds); B Robinson (New South Wales Waratahs), S Moore, B Alexander (both Brumbies), J Horwill (Queensland Reds), M Chisholm, R Elsom (capt), G Smith (all Brumbies), W Palu (New South Wales Waratahs).

Replacements: T Polota-Nau (New South Wales Waratahs), M Dunning (Western Force), D Mumm (New South Wales Waratahs), D Pocock (Western Force), L Burgess (New South Wales Waratahs), R Cross, J O'Connor (both Western Force).

Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand).

Assistant referees: Nigel Owens and Tim Hayes (both Wales).