WORLD Cup-winning five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson says former teammate Martin Johnson has all the credentials to be England manager.

Johnson has been talking to elite rugby director Rob Andrew about a possible England role, amid widespread speculation that if the captain of the triumphant 2003 team came on board it would lead to the departure of head coach Brian Ashton.

"I'm sure he [Johnson] would be massively influential, equally as influential as when he was a player," Wilkinson said in a BBC interview.

"He has the qualities inherent in a player that would give him the qualities to be a good coach.

"What's important in terms of a management style is that he has the right people with him."

Wilkinson, the most prolific point-scorer in international rugby, said if Johnson took up the role he should be allowed to do things his own way.

Meanwhile, All Blacks five-eighth Luke McAlister was man of the match as Sale crushed Brive 49-24 to reach the European Challenge Cup semi-finals. McAlister kicked 19 points and helped mastermind his team's six-try romp after getting a starting place, with Charlie Hodgson on the bench following the birth of his first child.