London: There has not been a combination like it since Mike Catt came off the bench to rescue Jonny Wilkinson against Wales in Brisbane at the 2003 World Cup.
What price Shane Geraghty, Catt-like, according to Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder, teaming up with Wilkinson for England against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand in the autumn internationals?
"I remember Catty playing some of his best rugby at inside-centre," Mallinder said. "It was all about timing. He could get you on the front foot when you wanted him to, and Shane is not dissimilar.
"His little attacking kicks are unbelievable. He can take on players. He can sense a gap. When he sees a forward in front of him, he has a go. He looks to get his hands free to get the ball away in the tackle. He's ready for international rugby."
Blimey. That's some endorsement, even from your own boss, but the Geraghty/Wilkinson axis is far more valuable than the flowering of their separate talents. Individually, they might be worth a few bob; as a pair, they're potentially priceless.
For a start: both are comfortable in each other's position, which allows England plenty of options at first receiver.
Next: together they curb each other's excesses. Geraghty, considerably younger, can be a touch impetuous, while a pragmatic Wilkinson has to work much harder for flamboyance.
In the Test arena, where balance and judgment is everything, that dynamic, provided they communicate well with each other, should ensure the right things get done at the right time.
Sublime fit
Finally: the duo just look and feel a sublime fit. Maybe it's something to do with Wilkinson deserving a run in the sun again, or the excitement Geraghty naturally generates with his attitude and talent, but just the chance that they might get together and light up England's autumn next month is worth dribbling over.
