But the World Cup-winning hero of five years ago and world record points scorer, axed to make way for Cipriani, has no intention of walking off into the sunset now he is no longer the holder of the number 10 jersey.

Wilkinson's 70th England appearance came as a second half replacement for Toby Flood at inside centre - and if his new role is to be as a "supersub" then that is what the 28-year-old will try to become.

"Playing anywhere on that field will be fantastic and I think my big challenge is the same as every day - find the best of me," said Wilkinson, who received a huge roar from the Twickenham crowd when he ran on with England leading 16-10.

He was quickly involved in the move which brought a try for Mathew Tait and looked perfectly at home in the position as England went further away from the flagging Irish over the closing stages.

Wilkinson admitted a place on the bench is "not ideal by any stretch of the imagination when you want something a hell of a lot”.

But he added: "But it's been an interesting way of looking at things and there's a lot to learn for me.

"You could see what a difference a fresh approach makes with Danny. He reacted instinctively with a mentality that said 'I'm here to have fun and make this my day and my team's day'.

"If I had lost any pride I might have said 'Who is this kid?', but that's not me. Do you kick up a fuss, shout at meetings, set other people wake-up calls at four in the morning?"

Not if your name is Jonny Wilkinson and he did not even mind that Cipriani kept the kicking duties when they were both on the pitch.

"Danny has deserved his go and he took it brilliantly,” he said. "Every day is a learning experience and I'm at a different angle now watching from the sidelines.

"It's something to take in, I've got loads to work on and I'm looking forward to getting back to being myself. I'm sure everybody will get behind me."

When asked whether Wilkinson might be a contender for a start at centre head coach Brian Ashton said it was something "to go away and reflect on", adding: "He looked pretty comfortable."

Ashton also predicted a "royal battle" at stand-off and Wilkinson pointed out there are other contenders for that in the likes of Charlie Hodgson and Shane Geraghty.

He also holds his Newcastle club-mate Flood in the highest regard and, when pressed on the possibility that number 12 might offer him the better chance of more caps, he replied: "I don't want to get carried away with talking about this - England have a perfectly good set-up."