France coach Marc Lievremont has warned that Jonny Wilkinson is more than capable of making an impact off the bench.
The Toulon fly-half has been dropped for the final Six Nations game as England look to spoil France's Grand Slam party at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday evening.
Lievremont has kept an eye on the former Newcastle Falcon since he left the Guinness Premiership for the Top 14 and has not let his guard down despite the fact Leicester's Toby Flood has been preferred by team manager Martin Johnson.
"I was a little surprised when I heard Wilkinson was not playing," said Lievremont.
"I was expecting Wilkinson to start if he was fit, or not to take part at all if he hadn't recovered from his head injury.
"
And we know that if the match is in the balance, Wilkinson can come on and that could be decisive."