England fly-half Charlie Hodgson is determined to make the sledging Australians choke on their words at Twickenham this Saturday.

Hodgson was subjected to a torrent of abuse as he struggled with his goal-kicking in last year's Cook Cup clash and admitted after the game that jibes of ''make sure you don't slip'' and ''you're going to miss it'' had got under his skin.

But after playing well on the Lions tour to New Zealand, Hodgson is relishing the challenge of leading England to their first victory over Australia since the 2003 World Cup final.

''The Aussies sledged me last year and I expect that again but with everything that's happened over the last year or so I feel I'm thicker-skinned. I'm a lot stronger mentally. I think I can perform better under pressure,'' Hodgson said.

''That sort of stuff does stick in your mind but it also makes you stronger and it just adds to the motivation that I can actually do it. To be honest I'm looking forward to hearing the first comment from the Aussies.''

Hodgson's international career has been dogged by comparisons with Jonny Wilkinson and the impression still exists in some quarters that he is only keeping the No 10 jersey warm for England's World Cup hero.

But it is two years since Wilkinson last donned the red rose and Hodgson believes he has done enough to be considered England's leading pivot in his own right.

''I do feel I am testing him rather than being the understudy with Jonny being the dead cert,'' said Hodgson, who will win his 12th consecutive cap on Saturday.

''I feel a lot happier in this environment now. My run of games stems back to the summer tour of 2004. It has been a great learning experience for me and helps you perform better.

''The test comes when Jonny is playing well and doesn't have any injury worries. But my performances have been good for Sale and I do feel close to being considered the number one.

''Now Jonny is back and playing well it is good for us both to have that competitive edge back. It will make us both better players now we are competing for the same spot.

''Hopefully when the time comes for Andy Robinson to choose between us it will be a difficult selection.''

Robinson is certainly a fan. Hodgson is widely accepted to be the most natural play-maker in English rugby and Robinson is confident the defensive frailty he showed in 2004 and last season's goal-kicking problems are a thing of the past.

Robinson certainly has no doubts about Hodgson's ability to find his radar on Saturday and proved as much by deciding against including any back-up goal-kicker in England's starting XV.