ENGLAND fly-half Johnny Wilkinson made a dream comeback with a record Calcutta Cup points haul to get the new era under coach Brian Ashton off to a flying start.

Wilkinson, who was recalled after playing just 45 minutes of rugby in the last 12 weeks, rolled back the years with a try and seven goals to help England to a 42-20 win over a disappointing Scotland in the RBS Six Nations at Twickenham.

The Newcastle fly-half missed just two kicks at goal and his 27-point contribution eclipsed the previous record set by his mentor Rob Andrew, the RFU Director of Elite Rugby, set in 1995.

It was like the 2003 World Cup final all over again with Wilkinson putting his trusty boot to brilliant use and winger Jason Robinson marking his return with a couple of well taken tries.

Flanker Magnus Lund got his first try as England, under new captain Phil Vickery, put their miserable autumn record to bed.

Scotland threatened to repeat last year's shock victory when lock Simon Taylor grabbed an opportunist first half try, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their second through replacement Rob Dewey.

Atmoshphere

Wilkinson admitted playing for England is what éI live a lot of my life foré after inspiring the victory.

England reclaimed the Calcutta Cup on the back of 27 points from fly-half Wilkinson on his first appearance for his country since winning the World Cup in 2003.

éItés been a long time and ités just good to get back on the field,é he said.

éThe whole atmosphere - ités what I live a lot of my life for.é

He added: éTwickenham is such a great place and the fans are so loud and supportive.é

Meanwhile, France scored five tries on their way to a convincing 39-3 victory over Italy in their RBS 6 Nations Championship opener at the Stadio Flaminio.

The returning Sebastien Chabal of Sale claimed a brace either side of the half-time whistle, while wingers Christophe Dominici and Cedric Heymans - in the first half - and Yannick Jauzion added further five-pointers.

David Skrela added gloss to the score with four conversions and a penalty, while Ramiro Pez scored the only points for a below-par Italy.

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