In his first appearance for his country since kicking the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup Final, Wilkinson was named man of the match in Saturday's record-breaking Six Nations win over Scotland.

The 27-year-old scored a Calcutta Cup record 27 points, a controversial try earning him a full house of scores at Twickenham.

It was a remarkable display for a man with just 43 minutes of competitive rugby under his belt following the latest comeback from injury, but Wilkinson believes it was reward for the hard work he has put it.

"I was a sort of dream comeback," Wilkinson wrote in his column in The Times.

"But it was also one that I'd thought about and prepared for.

"I am delighted it went quite well, but I can't say it was a surprise - as in a shock - because I'd just spent three years practicing for it."

Wilkinson insists he was "just doing my job" on Saturday and claims the performance will count for nothing if he is unable to repeat it.

"The challenge now, as I have said since the Scotland game finished, is to do it again and again," he said.

"I can't stand having regrets, I can't stand going to bed on a feeling of disappointment and lying awake until the early hours thinking about what I could or should have done differently."