Jonny Wilkinson today predicted an "outstanding" future for Danny Cipriani as England outside-half and admitted he may never get back into Test rugby.

Wilkinson, 29, was forced to miss England's autumn internationals due to a dislocated knee which is set to keep him out of action until next spring.

With Cipriani under pressure to produce his best in the England No10 jersey against South Africa at Twickenham tomorrow, Wilkinson said: "Danny's an explosive character. He burst on to the scene with a huge amount of talent, and that talent is ready to come out.

"He's played a hell of a lot for his club and he's done well playing under seriously high pressure. He's played for England now and he knows what he's doing. I'm expecting him to be outstanding.

"I've been in the squad when he's been playing and he's incredibly authoritative. He knows what he wants, and that's a great sign of a guy in a decision-making position.

"He's going to be a massive part of it [Martin Johnson's team] and he's only going to get better."

Wilkinson, England's 2003 World Cup hero, appears to be resigned to being just a club player for the rest of his career.

He said: "If I wanted to play for England I could maybe get back in there like I did before, and I could hang in there for a bit and not really enjoy myself.

"I could squeeze through a few games and not get much sleep and work towards the next one. Or I can have a fantastic time, with whichever team I'm with, trying to help them get better, and let the best of me come out."