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Wilkinson penalty saves Lions' blushes

Jonny Wilkinson kicked 20 points
Jonny Wilkinson kicked 20 points

The Lions' reputation took a fearful battering at the Millennium Stadium tonight as Clive Woodward's side snatched a humiliating injury-time draw against Argentina.

It was a dismal performance from the Lions outfit - they were comprehensively out-played for long spells and never fully recovered from a nervy opening which saw them concede an early try to Jose Nunez Piossek.

There was some encouragement to be taken from an impressive performance by Jonny Wilkinson - playing his first international since the World Cup final in November 2003 - with the England fly-half booting 20 points.

He landed the penalty which secured a share of the spoils, set up the Lions' only try - scored by Ollie Smith in the 17th minute - and gave further evidence that he is on the path to recovering his best form.

But the star of the night was Argentina fly-half Federico Todeschini who landed 20 points in a flawless kicking display that laid the foundations for their challenge.

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